Watson Intelligence is an Entertaining Puzzlement
Sheryl Jensen
Duluth News Tribune
November 20, 2015
UMD’s current production, The (curious case of the) Watson Intelligence, is a “riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma,” with its intriguingly interwoven series of vignettes played out over three centuries. Director Jenna Soleo-Shanks and her talented cast of three actors offer up a show so dazzlingly complex in its plot and themes that it demands discussion over multiple cups of coffee afterward.
For your scorecards, there are four Watsons: Dr. John Watson, Sherlock Holmes' faithful sidekick; Thomas Watson, valued assistant to Alexander Graham Bell; Josh Watson, computer repairman and member of the Dweeb Team (read Geek Squad); and Watson, a prototype A.I. computer (an homage to the IBM computer that beat the best contestants on Jeopardy).
All four Watsons are played by Dylan Rugh, who is at turns immensely charming, incredibly nerdy, wildly funny, pompously erudite and, in each iteration, the undeniable heart of the show. His roles all establish that the brilliant people among us need their “exquisite helpers” to support them.
Rugh’s physicality, facial expressions and line readings are spot on in all of his Watsonian personae. His strongest portrayal comes as Josh Watson, an entirely improbable “leading man” who wins the audience’s hearts.
Wes Anderson delivers a mature performance as two characters named Merrick, each the eternally disgruntled husband and foil to two of the Watsons. As a modern-day recently elected city auditor and a dark and dangerous Victorian scientist, Anderson has a commanding vocal and physical presence and a dark vibe that serves as an effective contrast to Rugh’s Watsons.
At the center, of course, is a woman, times three, appropriately named Eliza (yes, there are twisted, nasty “Pygmalion” allusions). As a Ph.D. computer designer, a fainting Victorian wife and a thirties radio interviewer, actress Chelsea Campbell is vibrant, annoying, anguished and gorgeous.
She is most convincing in her modern-day role of the neurotic scientist who spends her evening dipping her Twizzlers in Jim Beam, chatting with her computer creation and longing for someone to understand her.
The plot lines linking these three, as they leap-frog through time, practically require a Venn diagram to keep track of — but in all the character configurations and curlicues of story strands are more importantly common thematic threads of love, loneliness, the female psyche, technology and communication.
Sometimes all of this can get too talky, philosophical, and meditative — and the show at two-and-a-half hours (with intermission) starts to drag by evening’s end — but the powerful cast and the considerable strengths in playwright Madeleine George’s 2014 Pulitzer Prize nominated script keep the audience involved.
Kia Lor’s simple but interesting set is anchored by a center scrim with creative projections to distinguish time and place — a train engine’s evocative smoke and accompanying sound effect are particularly stunning. Kudos to costume designer Brandin Stagg for beautiful and effective choices for each era. A tip of the top hat to the actors and their dressers, who manage incredibly fast and complex costume changes for scene after scene.
The sum of the parts of the show comes in a quote towards the end of the evening when Thomas Watson, Bell’s assistant, says, “Connection isn’t elegant, or precise, or rational. But it’s our fate to be bound up with one another, isn’t it? We are all born insufficient, and must look to others to supplement our strength.”
This thought-provoking production showcases actors solidly connecting with each other and their audience in a show that challenges, enlightens and entertains.
The (curious case of the) Watson Intelligence was a production on the Dudley Experimental Theatre in University of Minnesota Duluth. This play goes back and forward in time with Watson being main character. The first Watson that was an artificial intelligence computer that Eliza, who has a Ph.D. as a computer designer, built and showed off in Jeopardy. In the next scene, Josh Watson was introduced as an information technology assistant and part of the Dweeb team. He was repairing a computer for Merrick that was currently running for city auditor. While Watson was continuing fixing his computer, Merrick was talking about his divorce with his wife. He wanted Watson to spy on Eliza to gather information on about her and he did so by giving him money. It did not go well with Watson when he got caught spying on Eliza. As he trying to find a reasonable explanation on why he was spying on her, it ended up weird and comically when both of them were in the same bed with each other. Eliza even knew that he was spying on her when she spotted him hiding behind a vehicle while coming out of a store before getting caught. The third Watson was introduced as a sidekick for Sherlock Holmes during the Victorian Era. While Eliza was looking for Sherlock Holmes for help, she was greeted by Doctor John Watson instead. This part of the play started to get intriguing when she was referencing her husband that showed him getting angry at an ATM machine in the present. Dr. Watson was able to assist Eliza instead while he was investigating on the marks on her wrists. Thomas Watson was the last one introduced as Alexander Graham Bell’s assistant. He was with Eliza, as a radio interviewer, to explain the first telephone being invented on the radio. A problem occurred when Eliza misquoted the first message received on the phone with Watson. In the present, Watson started connecting with Eliza that they fell in love with each other. Before talking to AI Watson about her new relationship, she started to freak out that Josh Watson was similar to him. Issues started to arise with their new relationship when she noticed the difference between him and her that she even ignored his call. When Watson met up with Merrick for progress on his assignment, he was not pleased when Watson did not takes notes during his investigation. In the Victorian Era, Merrick was talking to other people about his new invention that he created. Before intermission, Dr. Watson was seen getting on the same train with Merrick. After intermission, Eliza and Watson were back together but they were arguing with each other that caused their relationship to end in the present. Eliza explained that Watson was too perfect in a good and bad way. Also, she was not able to read his next moves unlike he can with her. In the Victorian Era, Dr. Watson was seen spying on Merrick when they both got off the train but he eventually got caught. He was able to convince Merrick that he was not trying to steal his ideas before Merrick was about to engaging in a fight. Once Merrick was describing about his wife to Dr. Watson that was impersonating as someone else, it showed Eliza in the present time calling someone on her cellphone. Dr. Watson found out who and how the marks appeared on Eliza’s wrists while he was talking to Merrick about his new invention. Once finding out what Merrick did to his wife, Dr. Watson tried to stop him but failed to do so. Once Watson left Eliza in the present time, she regretted what she did and wanted him to come back. Thomas Watson appeared while Eliza was looking for him and he gave her the first telephone to use. In the end, it shows Eliza and Merrick talking to each other about their lives after the divorce. The play was confusing in the beginning but it makes sense during the end with costume designs assisting with which time period the scene is in. The (curious case of the) Watson Intelligence is a must see for people interested in time traveling.
ReplyDeleteUniversity of Minnesota Duluth performed The (curious case of the) Watson Intelligence in Dudley Experimental Theatre on October 19th, 2105. Jenna Soleo-Shanks was the director of three gifted cast members whom all contributed to an exceptional show. The play was unlike anyone would expect with the same characters acting throughout three different centuries.
ReplyDeleteThere were four Watsons to identify in this play. Watson was first introduced as an intelligence computer Eliza had created to beat contestants in jeopardy. He was then on the Dweeb team as a computer repairman. The third Watson was Doctor John Watson, a sidekick for Sherlock Holmes when Eliza was looking for help. Rugh’s fourth character was Thomas Watson who was introduced as Alexander Graham Bell’s assistant.
Dylan Rugh played all four Watson characters with spot on facial expressions and a new voice for each Watson personae. Altogether, he was was funny, nerdy and charming to the audience. His role in the play showed how people could use help and support. One of Rugh’s strongest roles was when he was Josh Watson. See for yourself how he takes the audience in this character.
Wes Anderson played Merrick who was accounted for two roles in the show. No matter which character, he was a dissatisfied husband. He was either a recently elected city auditor or a threatening scientist. Merrick’s characters showed distinction between the Watsons with his unfavorable and negative presence.
Between the two men there was Eliza, a computer designer, a radio interviewer from the 30s, and a Ph.D. Chelsea Campbell played her role as a beautiful and bright lady who was also a bit distressed at times. She spent many nights talking to her computer-made man only hoping someone would realize who she was.
Brandin Stagg wonderfully accomplished felicitous costumes for each era being displayed. It was effortlessly noticeable when the characters switched time periods. Likewise, Wesley Darton carefully chose pertinent sounds when they were needed with the ringing of the phones, noises of the train, or the transition music in between scenes. The music flowed right along with the time traveling aspect of the play. Kia Lor also did a fantastic job with a versatile scene design that was easily arranged from on scene to the next while fitting each era with a neutral décor.
This in-depth production displayed what it means to have connections to one another while it required the audience to consider these relationships. Although there was a lot to grip, this play was captivating and intriguing with each twist and turn. This show would be satisfactory to anyone who’s in for a time travel.
On Sunday November 22, The (curious case of the) Watson Intelligence was performed by the UMD production team. This unusual production was directed by Jenna Soleo-Shanks and had only three actors throughout the play. The play consisted of three different time periods all containing different Watsons.
ReplyDeleteIn the play there are four Watsons, Josh Watson who was a computer repairman, Thomas Watson who was an assistant to Alexander Graham Bell, Watson who was a prototype computer, and Dr. John Watson who was Sherlock Holmes’ sidekick.
The director, Soleo-Shanks, did an exceelent job setting up this play because of the creative ways she was able to jump time periods and characters so quickly. She also did a wonderful job in sending a message to the audience saying that helping others is very important and plays a very key role in our lives everyday. These people make everyone’s life better by seeking for people who need their help.
The actors used in the play all did a great job because each actor had to portray multiple roles. The actor who portrayed all four Watsons was Dylan Rugh, who did an excellent job switching form role to role by changing accents for the different characters and quickly changing from scene to scene. He was very believable in all aspects where in every character he played he was seeking to help others.
Chelsea Campbell played three different characters, one being a computer designer, another being a radio interviewer, and the last being a sickly wife. In all three roles Campbell appeared to become the character she was portraying by having a great accent in the Sherlock Holmes’ era and then being modern day computer designer who talks to her computer at night. She seemed to be very believable throughout every role and appeared to enjoy every role she portrayed.
The final actor in the play only played two roles but did so utterly convincing was Wes Anderson. In the play he played two characters both named Merrick and both roles he appeared as the antagonist. In one role Anderson played a man running for city auditor and in another an evil scientist. The dark and manipulative way he was acting contributed to his characters as he was an excellent fit for these roles.
The overall design of the play was also very well done. The way the set was designed was perfect for the quick changes that need to be made in the play by having a drop down bed in the wall and by having many people moving the set around to fit the correct time period. The lighting was different depending on the time period and in every scene the lighting emphasized the mood during the scene.
Overall, between the director, designer, and the actors the production was excellent in every way, shape and form. Every single aspect in this play was worth attending for the mere price of six dollars.
On Sunday November 22, University of Minnesota Duluth's Dudley Experimental theatre performed The (curious case of the) Watson Intelligence by Madeleine George. Director Jenna Soleo-Shanks, definitely took on a challenge when choosing this piece.The show intertwined it’s way through multiple stories involving famous historical figures all by the name of Watson.
ReplyDeleteFirst off, we are introduced to the prototype Watson, the artificial intelligence supercomputer introduced to challenge the mind of competitors on the popular television game show, Jeopardy. Next we meet John Watson, quirky member of the Dweeb Team and and computer technician. Later we are introduced to the infamous Dr.Watson, most have probably heard of him, but for those who haven’t, Dr. John Watson is the faithful sidekick to detective Sherlock Holmes. Lastly, and rather briefly, we are introduced to Thomas A. Watson, assistant to Alexander Graham Bell in the the creation of the first telephone.
All four of the “Exquisite Helpers” listed above are played by the marvelous Dylan Rugh, who transforms seamlessly from character to character in between scenes. He does a wonderful job creating four completely different personas, each with their own quirky vocabulary and mannerism and bringing them to life on stage. He captured the audience's attention and carried them with him throughout the entirety of the performance.
The leading lady Eliza, played by the talented Chelsea Campbell also plays multiple roles throughout the play. From the beautiful and intelligent love interest opposite John Watson, to a suspicious housewife in the victorian era. Chelsea demonstrates a range of emotions throughout the show and though at times Campbell’s real personality often began to peek through making her character seem somewhat ingenuine, the performance was good nonetheless.
Merrick played by Wes Anderson did a stellar job creating his characters. Two intimidating men, one a diabolical inventor and the other a dissatisfied easily irritated ex husband. Anderson did a really nice job convincing the audience of his characters and their stories.
The story, somewhat hard to follow at times, takes the audience through three separate time frames. The play tells three completely different, yet somehow connected stories. At times it was difficult to tell where the characters were in time, or what relevance it had to the story. The began to drag at some points being taken back a forth through time started to feel slightly daunting, yet at other times the audience was completely engaged.
The tech crew was very distracting. During one blackout two of the tech members were carelessly spinning the couch in a circle, trying to get a laugh from the audience. At other points in the show, they emerged onstage during scenes in full light to dress characters and move things around which seemed to be a somewhat careless choice as the audience was more distracted by what they were doing than the actual story.
The play itself was well done, it made the audience dig deep and consider their relationship and connections to each other. The actors were fabulous and the story itself was quite interesting if you could keep up. The story took the audience through many twists and turns and came to a satisfactory end. It left the audience with an idea that everyone is connected and that it’s always okay to be an “exquisite helper”.
The (Curious Case of the) Watson Intelligence opened on University of Minnesota Duluth’s Stage 2 Dudley Experimental Theatre. Upon walking into the theatre, the set seemed generic and not very specific and the flooring had gears painted onto it. The set was a strong part of the production because it is set in three different centuries so it was molded in different ways to match each of the centuries. The screen projections were also a vital part of deciphering which location or time period Scenic designer, Kia Lor, did a wonderful job in including all of the different time periods with such a simple set.
ReplyDeleteCostume designer Brandin Stagg also did a wonderful job on costuming each of the characters that determined the time period they were in. Their costumes suggested their social status. Each of the characters seemed to be in a high class, which would make sense with the script because they each have jobs or the knowledge to be great.
At first, the accents seemed confusing, but then they said where they were and with the costume gave away what century they were in. Dialect designer Kate Ufema did a good job in helping each of the characters effectively speak in different accents to portray their origin or location.
The character Watson had some big shoes to fill. Played by Dylan Rugh, Watson was the main character through all of the time periods. There were four different Watsons. When the lights came up he was the creation of character Eliza (Chelsea Campbell), essentially a human computer that speaks and picks up on emotion that played in the popular game show Jeopardy! Later, he was the modern time Dweeb Team employee, Josh Watson, who was working on the computer of character Merrick (acted by Wes Anderson). Farther back in time, Watson of Sherlock Holmes’ time and Watson that helped create the telephone for Alexander Graham Bell. Rugh had a wide range of times and emotions to convey and did a spectacular job in portraying each of the different personalities of each of the Watsons in the production.
Campell’s performance of Eliza was subpar. The entire time she was close to selling her performance but did not fully sell it. Her own personality started to show through and her emotions were more believable more towards the end after her modern Eliza started seeing Josh Watson. The victorian Eliza was very fake feeling and seemed very rehearsed. Overall, a decent performance to enhance Watson.
Anderson’s performance of Merrick was enjoyable. When he was first introduced he seemed very impatient and on edge. These emotions he portrayed seemed believable because of his story line that his wife and him split and he was still wondering about her. Later on, the nineteenth-century Merrick was spot on with his jealous ways and selling the audience on his deviant ways.
Overall, this was a very strong story and the actors and actress did a wonderful job in portraying many characters and emotions among many different time periods.
Sydney Davies
The Dudley Experimental Theatre's stage leapt through time about a dozen times on Sunday the 22nd in its latest production entitled The (Curious Case of the) Watson Intelligence. The play is remarkably interesting and features four "Watsons".
ReplyDeleteThe first, Dr. Watson, accompanies Sherlock Holmes in his crazy investigations.
The second, Thomas Watson, assists Alexander Graham Bell in the creation of the telephone.
The third is the trivial knowledge-containing computer created by IBM that appeared on Jeopardy.
The fourth is Josh Watson - a creation of the playwright, Madeleine George. This Watson works for the "Dweeb Team" in fixing computers for people in need of the service.
It may seem confusing at first, but as the play progresses, it becomes evident which Watson is current to each scene. The costume designer, Brandin Stagg, and scenic designer, Kia Lor, can take some credit for designing costumes and sets that can dramatically and efficiently change for each scene. Also, the actual players can take credit for being able to clearly create a line between their separate characters with their personalities.
Dylan Rugh plays the Watsons. He opens the play with the guidelines for the audience and has them applauding after he simply commands everyone to turn off their cellphones. From then on, Rugh only gets better. He pulls off each character naturally and has the audience interested in his complex characters throughout the entire play. The other characters in the play repeat several times, "There's something about you," referring to the Watsons, and there was certainly something about Rugh's Watsons that attracts the audience.
An initial accomplice that turns into a foe for Watson is Merrick. Merrick is played by Wes Anderson. Anderson gives a strong performance by making the audience hate him. He makes a great antagonist with his darker personalities portrayed.
Chelsea Campbell plays the women in the play, Eliza. Eliza is a intelligent and somewhat irritating character. She is one of the main reasons Watson and Merrick begin to foil, and Campbell sells the part very well.
The play intrigues the audience from start to finish with its intellectual capacity and elaborate schemes. Each actor or actress is delightful to witness as they propel his or herself through a time-warp scene after scene. Also, George's ability to compose a play that covers a wide range of years but still maintains the themes of a single story is remarkable to see.
Madeline George’s play, The (curious case of the) Watson Intelligence, opened last Thursday, November 19th in the Dudley Experimental Theatre at the University of Minnesota, Duluth. Though many audience members may have gone in with little understanding or knowledge of the play’s plot or message, they quickly came to the conclusion that The Watson Intelligence has some deeply touching morals that can and do apply to most people’s everyday lives, especially with the recent “epidemic” of personal electronic devices across the globe. Not only does George’s work show audiences that technology can bring people together in meaningful ways, her play also shows the world that those who seem unimportant in our shared history are often some of the most essential ones.
ReplyDeleteSome advertisers today have made commercials demonizing the constant use of phones, computers, and tablets. They portray young people walking through busy streets and ignoring their friends and family all while having eyes glued to their phone screens. The (curious case of the) Watson Intelligence is an appropriate play for this age of technology. George poses in her play that technology is not what separates us from others, but is in fact a force which can bring the most unlikely people together. George shows the audience multiple historical and fictional examples of this very connection through technology. Through the stories of Dr. John Watson, Bell’s Mr.Watson, IBM’s Watson, and a Watson of George’s own creation, the audience can see the many connections that these individuals make and how technology is at the core of each one. George’s original characters all meet because of technology. The protagonist of the present day is an IT worker and the woman he falls in love with —Mrs. Merrick—has created amazing software like IBM’s Watson and her own software called Mike. A minor computer problem led them to each other. George uses historical examples as well in the form of Alexander Graham Bell and Mr. Watson. The example of Watson and Bell is truly an inspired addition on the part of George; she succeeds in giving a stunning example of the connection people have through technology in this one example very well. Because of Bell and Watson’s connection through the telephone, people are now connected all over the world.
Not only does George show us that technology can help form connections, she also vindicates all of her audience members by showing them that even those people who do not make it into the history books are valuable. Though most people today grow up with the dream that they will someday achieve fame, most also understand that such goals are highly improbable. What they fail to realize is that fame is not necessary to becoming a priceless person in the lives of many people or becoming a tremendous helping force in history. George shows her audiences the value of less famous people. The protagonists are not people that others admire directly, but instead are assistants to their famous counterparts. George includes these characters' strengths in her version of their stories, however. Her fictional character is trustworthy and Dr. John Watson is honorable and selfless. Neither of them are admired heroes, but they are both heroic and make astounding impressions on those around them. George succeeds in creating relatable characters in The Watson Intelligence that speak to people of all ages and backgrounds.
George no doubt has a talent for giving hope to a modern audience through beautiful language, humor, history, and fiction. She succeeds in showing audiences the beauty of our numerous connections to other people through the use of technology and the importance of every person. George’s play is a beacon of hope for those pessimists in the world who create commercials about the divisions that technology makes and who take for granted the roles unsung heroes have played. George makes a compelling case for human connection and hope in The (curious case of the) Watson Intelligence, and she is sticking to it.
“The (Curious Case of the) Watson Intelligence,” presented on Thursday at University of Minnesota Duluth’s Dudley Experimental Theater is a distinctive but exhilarating play about four “exquisite helpers.” Director Jenna Soleo-Shanks successfully entertained and demonstrated her approach of transitions of different time zone.
ReplyDeleteIn the lead role of the four Watsons, Dylan Rugh successfully captured the audience’s heart with his charming and funny personality. His different body language and facial expressions fitted well with the variety of characters he portrayed. Rugh was able to depict believable characters and brought out expressive intonation to his voice.
Chelsea Campbell portrayed Eliza, managed to hit her emotions from frustration to sassy. She captured the audience attention with her vibrant and balanced portrayal of a woman torn between her love and her growing sense of discontinuation. The Victorian Eliza accent was delivered flawlessly but Campbell’s portrayer seem forced and rehearsed. Campbell gave a strong performance of the characters through her words and actions, she accurately portrayed herself as going through a difficult period in her life.
Wes Anderson played Merrick, who flawlessly executed his role as a dissatisfied husband. Anderson commanded stage presence and keen eye for his maturity and seriousness. From his speech for the campaign to his invention, which lifted the performance quality to another level.
Kia Lor’s clever scenic design was gothic and elegant. It included a wall bed that reclined unnoticeably. The simplicity of the black and white structure with the projector was easily incorporated with the ever-changing times zones. Costume Designer Brandin Stagg created pieces fitting the different periods, with straightforward but practical changes made throughout, by adding and changing clothing.
This production came together as a cohesive whole, each individual part was pleasurable and skillfully carried out even though it may of have been confusing with all the time jumping at first. The show was beautifully crafted and ended with a fulfilling story.
Jenna Soleo-Shanks’ The (curious case of the) Watson Intelligence, produced by UMD theatre, was a thought-provoking production that demands the audience’s full attention throughout the three different eras of ‘Watsons.’ This complex plot was executed by the bold, confident actors that weaved a tale through seemingly unrelated events and characters. While technology was the apparent theme, the true message that this production symbolically conveyed is human connection.
ReplyDeleteThe production starred three actors: Chelsea Campbell, Was Anderson, and Dylan Rugh. While the names and personalities of the characters they portrayed remained consistent, their identities changed with each new era. The confusing transitions were simplified with obvious costume changes that revealed each character to the audience. Subtle scenery adjustments also clued the audience in as to what time period was taking place. Each time period came with a unique plot centered around a different Watson.
Dylan Rugh portrayed the four different Watsons: Sherlock Holmes’ sidekick, Alexander Graham Bell’s assistant, Dweeb Team computer repairmen, and a super-computer. Rugh’s humor shone through with each role, but his starring character was the relatable Josh Watson, a geeky but refreshingly trustworthy man. Each quirk and facial expression either drew laughter or sympathy from the crowd. With an endearing performance that drew the audience in, Rugh made it easy to be invested in this character.
A smaller role, Wes Anderson acted as two different Merricks, though both were disgruntled husbands. Soleo-Shanks casted with type in this role as Anderson was mature and manly. His powerful voice and presence allowed the audience to buy into this persona of a self-righteous alpha male. Interactions between the two Merricks and Watsons highlighted a stark contrast between the two characters, consistent with the actual actors.
The link between the two was Eliza. Acting as a computer scientist, a Victorian-era wife, and a 1930s radio interviewer was the beautiful, Chelsea Campbell. Her confident performance captured the audience from the get-go. Campbell’s interpretation of a modern neurotic computer scientist was stereotypically accurate. She annoyed the audience with her cynical view of love, but then captured their support again with her optimistic view of the future and her scientific contributions. Her portrayal of raw human emotions was captivating and easily drew empathy from the audience. While at times sporadic and irrational, Eliza was a leading lady worth rooting for.
One of this production’s most successful element was its manipulation of lighting. Kimberly Seifert subtly created separate ambiences and moods for each era and developing scene. Her use of blue and neutral lighting allowed the audience to understand which time period was taking place. The most dramatic piece, when Eliza and Watson dance together barely clothed, was barely lit, but used just enough lighting to reveal the outline of their forms. This added to the drama and the intensity of emotion that the actors were attempting to convey.
The true success of this production was the seemingly effortless way each of the characters and plotlines connected. Through the actors’ consistent personas and the surprising relations between characters, the audience could pick up on all the different connections more and more as the play went on. These connections were told through both costume and scenery, as well as well-delivered lines and movements. Technology obviously connected the three different eras, but the actors were able to highlight the connections between humans, and the importance of those connections.
Although the plot of the story was complex and at times confusing, UMD’s production captured the unwavering attention of the audience. With spot-on acting, accurate costumes, and great lighting, the audience was able to leave with thoughts of human connections and its application in their lives.
On November 19th, The University of Minnesota Duluth opened its latest production in their Dudley Experimental Theatre, The (curious case of the) Watson Intelligence. The show explored the value of partnership all while time-jumping between 4 time periods involving 4 very helpful Watsons.
ReplyDeleteDylan Rugh portrayed each of the Watsons with an impressive balance. He portrayed the Watsons with enough similarities to keep them connected throughout the show, but he still differentiated each Watson’s voice and behaviors enough to have kept the audience from getting lost or confused. Rugh was also quite committed to his roles and transitioned between each persona with ease.
Chelsea Campbell portrayed the character of Eliza across the time periods. She too seamlessly transitioned between her characters in each time period and was very convincing in each role. Her emotional intensity and personality in the most recent time period appeared extremely realistic but not so much that she seemed too dramatic.
The chemistry between Rugh and Campbell clearly showed, especially in the most recent time periods. They both seemed very comfortable with each other and conversed in a way which appeared second-nature to them and was extremely realistic.
Wes Anderson was bad in a good way. Like the other cast members, Anderson was able to transition between time periods easily and balance his role. The actor played the antagonist, Merrick, with just the right amount of evil to identify him as the bad guy, but with enough humor and relatability for the audience to have not totally despised the character itself.
Other aspects of production transitioned impressively between time periods as well. Scenic designer Kia Lor designed the sets for each period in a way which made it clear to the audience which period the characters were in while using a only a handful of set pieces. Lor’s use of a small number of set pieces made it easier to transition between time periods since there was less to move around.
Brandin Stagg, the show’s costume designer, designed garments which were helpful for transitions by making some periods include clothing from the previous period for the same character. Stagg’s overlapped costume designs made costume changes between scenes faster and easier than if a character had a completely different costume for each period.
The sound design created by Wesley Darton helped with the transitions and added plenty of extra pizazz to the show. Darton used unique techno sounds and music during transitions which seemed to sound like something out of “Doogie Howser,” yet seemed to be a good fit with the rest of the show. Other recognizable sounds from certain time periods were included in the show and helped further convey the time like the sound of the progression of telephone rings across time, train sounds, or the sound of an old computer starting up.
Overall, The (curious case of the) Watson Intelligence was an intricate and unique time-jumping production filled with humor and emotion. With its excellent cast, versatile costumes, and complex storyline, the show grabbed the audience’s attention and didn’t let go until the very end.
The (Curious Case of the) Watson Intelligence by Madeleine George was performed on Sunday, November 22 in the University of Minnesota Duluth’s Dudley Experimental theatre. The Director, Jenna Soleo-Shanks was utterly brave in taking on this highly complex play, involving 3 different time periods. Not to mention, the only three actors/actresses were excellent in keeping the audience in line, in what was going on.
ReplyDeleteThe setting design by Kia Lor, was simple yet moving. Since the play was so complex, a setting as simple as Lor’s was just right. The simple touches she put in to transition between time periods were remarkable. The warmth of the lighting made the play even more realistic since it was in such a small theatre. It made the audience feel more close and in touch with the actors and scenes.
The costume designs by Brandin Stagg were quite ravishing. They helped with distinguish the time period along with Lor’s set design. From the great detail of the earlier time period costumes to the more simple modern day costumes. Also, giving major props to Stagg for creating such costumes, taking into consideration the short time for costume changes.
Dylan Rugh put on an incredible performance, and stunned the audience with his whimsical, nerdy, studious and loving self. Whether it was Watson, the prototype A.I. computer; Josh Watson, a nerdy computer technician; Thomas Watson, a studious assistant to thee Alexander Graham Bell; or Dr. John Watson, an ally to Sherlock Holmes. Rugh made the audience become engaged with everything going on with his nonverbal expressions and cues. Overall, winning the audience over with his magnificent performance.
Eliza, played by the actress Chelsea Campbell, took on the roll of three different time periods performing as a advanced and intelligent computer designer, a victorian mistress, and a 1930’s radio interviewer. We saw Campbell as high spirited, aggravating and condescending, in just trying to find someone to understand her.
Two forms of Merrick, played by Wes Anderson, served a spot in two of the Watsons lives. As a city auditor and an evil Victorian scientist, Anderson put on a dark and corrupt character, who seemed to be the antagonist in the play. His verbal and nonverbal cues were outstanding in portraying the corrupt character he put out to be.
Even though it may have been bewildering, this production connected with the audience on a personal level, by challenging and entertaining them.
Sarah Halbakken
On November 19th, the Dudley Experimental Theatre opened The Curious Case of the Watson Intelligence, produced by Stage 2 at the University of Minnesota Duluth. The Watson Intelligence was a unique play in that it takes the audience through several time periods following various “Watsons”. This complex plot required the audience to pay close attention throughout the play to be sure to understand where the play was taking them next. The performance was led by talented actors that tied the plot into a beautiful story.
ReplyDeleteThe performance consisted of three actors: Wes Anderson, Chelsea Campbell, and Dylan Rugh. Each actor played similar characters in each time period, only making slight changes to the plot. With the changes in time period, also came changes in the costumes, which fit with each time period very well. The actors did an outstanding job fitting each character’s personality to the time period of which they are in.
Dylan Rugh portrayed the various Watsons of each time period, which consisted of a computer repairman, the right hand man of Sherlock Holmes, the assistant of Alexander Graham Bell, and a robot created by the character Eliza. Although each character was different, you could see the common thread in each of them: they were humorous sidekicks to amazingly successful people. Rugh did an excellent job taking these characters and giving them their odd, yet charming personality.
Wes Anderson played as Merrick. There were two Merricks throughout the play, both of which were troubled husbands to Eliza. Anderson’s large stature and strong voice gave this character the powerful persona that was needed to fill Merrick’s role.
Lastly, there was Eliza, portrayed by Chelsea Campbell. There were three Eliza’s throughout the performance. They consisted of a modern computer scientist, a 19th century distressed wife, and a radio interviewer. Campbell was bold and confident and portrayed each of her characters well. She was far from the classic “damsel in distress” and added a touch of humor with some of her decisions conflicting with other aspects of her life.
As a whole, the play kept you on your toes. In the beginning, it was hard to find the connection between all of the different time periods. It seemed as though the play had no plot and was just bouncing around between all the various Watson’s, but as the play progressed, the loose ends began to be tied up and the connection became clear.
The Watson Intelligence was definitely a complex play, but it consistently kept the attention of the audience and rarely had a dull moment. It consisted of seriousness and humor, sadness and anger, but ended on a good note. The Watson Intelligence is definitely a performance to see if it ever comes back to Duluth.
The (curious case of the) Watson Intelligence, is the current production of the UMD Dudley Experimental Theatre. Directed by Soleo-Shanks, the production featured 4 different Watsons. We were first introduced to the artificial intelligence prototype computer who was known for competing in Jeopardy and won. The next we meet was Josh Watson, who worked for the Dweeb Team as a computer repairman, and after that we meet Dr. John Watson, Sherlock Holmes’s sidekick. The last Watson we met was Thomas Watson, who was Alexander Graham Bell’s assistant.
ReplyDeleteAll of the different variations of each character was played by the same actors and actress. Jumping from one era to the next with completely different stories would have been difficult to organize, but these actors completed the task without any difficulty. Watson portrayed a very intelligent man or computer in each era he was presented in. The facial expressions and tone of voice was a key factor when playing those different versions. For example, it was easy to identify the computer Watson because he didn’t portray the same kind of emotions as the human versions did. Eliza had three different roles, the woman who created the artificial intelligence computer Watson, a radio interviewer, and the ex wife of the character Merrick. Merrick had two roles, one was the ex husband of Eliza who was running for the city auditor, and also the Victorian scientist that had invented a very small no grease hand pistol.
The set of the play was designed with the purpose that Watson had to be able to do costume changes on and off the stage. The lighting helped immensely with those changes because it went very dark during scenes, and it was very difficult to actually watch the costume switches. There were many moveable props used in many of the different scenes, but they all worked well with the different eras that were being portrayed.
As these characters jumped through different eras in time, while dealing with villainous scientists, and the mad love that develops between Eliza and Josh. At points, the play was difficult to comprehend- as we all cannot be as intelligent as any of the Watsons. The two-and-a-half-hour play will travel through the brilliance of those Watsons and the challenges he faces in the different eras of time.
The (Curious Case of the) Watson Intelligence, performed by UMD Theatre, was a profound and interesting play. The three different storylines all progressing at once made the play require the viewers’ utmost attention at all times. Director Jenna Soleo-shanks, the actors, and the rest of the production team marvelously recreated Madeleine George’s 2014 Pulitzer Prize nominated script.
ReplyDeleteThe play took place at the Dudley Experimental Theatre where Kia Lor created a beautiful and versatile stage. This stage would alter to a bedroom, using a murphy bed, a bar, a train, and much more. This stage was accented very well by a large projector screen in the center of the back. The projector screen displayed relevant images to clarify the setting of the scenes. The funniest by far was the troubled Merrick at the ATM, as we all have had that frustrated feeling with an inanimate technology at some point.
As mentioned earlier, the play featured three different plots and these plots seemed to have no relevance to one another at first, however they began to tie together in the end. One plot had to do with Thomas Watson and his assistance to Alexander Graham Bell on the creation of the telephone. The second story pertained to Sherlock Holmes pupil Dr. Watson and his quest to help a lady named Mrs. Merrick solve a mystery. The last was a modern story that contains two Watsons, one of is an Artificial Intelligence named Watson (named after the IBM created AI that beat the masters of Jeopardy), and the other is a fictional character named Josh Watson, an IT and computer repairman for a company called Dweeb Team. All of these characters are masters of being an aid in all situations, while never asking anything in return.
The main character(s) Watson is played by Dylan Rugh. Although he has a disturbing mustache, Watson in all of the storylines is a character that displays confidence, tenderness, and most importantly intelligence. Watson is a very serious character that is trying to portray how important assistants can be to their leaders. This is shone through all 4 Watsons. Also, their innocence gets them in trouble a few times and makes for hilarious scenes, such as the AI Watson learning the word fuck or John Watson getting caught spying and not being able to lie his way out of it.
Watson would have been merely another “good guy” that the audience swept past if it not were his lover Mrs. Merrick. The connection between Chelsea Campbell’s character Mrs. Merrick and Watson was so strong that it was physically felt by the audience. Eliza Merrick (cunningly named after the primitive psychotherapist program “Eliza”) was a very passionate and lost woman that only found pain with every living man and only could love her life work, an AI named Watson. Mrs. Merrick sought out the help of Sherlock Holmes and won the heart of Dr. Watson with her passionate and caring nature for her ungrateful husband.
The antagonist of the play was Merrick, who appeared in both in the Dr. Watson storyline, as well as the modern day storyline with Josh Watson. Wes Anderson depicts Merrick as an intimidating narcissist in both plots. In the modern day plot Wes Anderson brilliantly acts out a troubled divorced husband that is trying to find his path back to a normal life.
The overlying theme of the play is that being a helpful person is not always the most glorious role, but is necessary for the benefit of everyone else. The underlying moral of the play was difficult to catch with the many seemingly unrelated scenes. However, the constant loneliness and chase to be loved was caused in all the plotlines by a lack of communication that lead to mistrust and pain which seemed to be the underlying theme.
Overall, the play put on by UMD theatre was very creative and efficient. The audience was constantly on the edge of their seats trying to connect with the characters and trying to tie the acts together. All the separate parts of the production meshed together to create an outstanding and memorable play.
The Dudley Theatre at the University of Minnesota-Duluth kicked off with The (curious case of the) Watson Intelligence by Madeleine George with a stunning performance. The play took on four time periods with four Watsons making it an intriguing piece of art. The time periods consisted of 1876, 1891, 1931 and 2011 each having their own unique Watson but somehow being much dependent on the other as the story line progresses throughout the play.
ReplyDeleteThe Watsons range from Sherlock Holmes’s partner in crime, assistant in the creation of the first telephone by Alexander Bell, to being a one of a kind intellectual being and to the extremes of being of an artificial intelligence best known for out competing the best minds Jeopardy had to offer. All four of these Watsons were played by Dylan Rugh encompassing a variety of personas from electric and corky to bland and robotic. The accompanying characters to “supplement his strengths” were Eliza played by Chelsea Campbell and Merrick performed by Wes Anderson. Eliza plays a role of Watson’s lover who takes interest in computer sciences, a radio host, and a wife of Merrick. Wes Anderson wraps it all up to make the pieces come together as he acts out a crazed ex-husband thriving for government auditor to a scientist filled with paranoia. The actors and actress did an outstanding job of switching personality traits as the many changes in character demanded of them.
The swift change of wardrobe and set design was essential to this performance. All credit goes to Leah Benson-Devine, props designer along with the scenery, prop and shift crews working vigorously between transitions. The multiple usages of the props gave the room a vibrant change to the scene when need be. The lighting and effects by Amanda Hennen played well with the back lit projector for added texture and silhouettes to add dramatic effect.
The plot as it progresses towards the end jumps from one time period to another. At times it gets overwhelming to keep straight but adds intrinsic value to the story. The baseline theme continues in all scenic events as the characters struggle with their own personal obsession with success and love, taking bits and pieces from one period or scene to correlate with how a character is acting in another. The storyline was well written by Madeleine George and then directed by Scott Boyle to make the production all fall into place.
The (curious case of the) Watson Intelligence is a must see. The story of one’s own life can be seen as the characters struggle with problems all too close to home. With the highly deep rooted metaphors and meanings this play would benefit from a second viewing as you may pick up on a clue or two that you had previously overlooked.
The Dudley theatre recently hosted a stellar performance of The (curious case of) Watson Intelligence, written by Madeleine George. In this portrayal, four Watson’s from various time periods are brought together over the course of the play to portray, in a very emotional way, how some people are meant to help others, sometimes in ways we never expect.
ReplyDeleteThe same actor portrayed all the four Watson’s, thus the continuity of the so-called “Watson Intelligence” was kept. Of all the Watson’s, three were real characters from history, being the Dr. Watson from the Sherlock Holms novels, Thomas Watson, Alexander Graham Bell’s assistant, and the WATSON super-computer developed by IBM. The fourth was made up by the playwright as a segway through the other three. This Watson helped drive the story, taken place in modern time, and without him there would have been no connection to the Watson’s of the past. The two supporting actors also played characters from each timeline, adding to the feel that every scenario and every person was connected throughout.
The stage backdrop was of a simple design, no doubt intended to not look too much like one time period or the next. To give the feel of different time periods, stage-hands worked quickly and deftly, often in very low light, to swap out props. A Victorian era couch was quickly transformed into a modern lounge seat with a simple sheet thrown over it. A well-crafted murphy bed was embedded into the wall of the backdrop for more intimate scenes, and where which some of the most heartfelt and well-acted scenes came from. The changing of time periods between scenes were prefaced with a sound of a ringing telephone, either like that of an iPhone or an old radial phone, to show how time was moving forward or back.
As with any play where there are a shift in time periods, there also had to be a shift in fashion. The actors alternated between clothing we would see on a shelf today, to that favored by citizens of Britain during the industrial revolution, and back again. At one point an actor changed his clothing onstage while delivering a monologue, from refined British scholar clothing, to that of an overworked public servant, changing his accent along the well. It was one of the more impressive moments of the entire production. And it must be noted that the character Watson would not have been the same without the moustache the actor wore, it truly completed the character!
Much can be said about the actors performances in The Watson Intelligence, all of it good. The level of difficulty it took to portray not one, but at least three characters was not apparent, as each actor seamlessly moved from one to the next. Each attempt at lighthearted comedy elicited a laugh from the audience, and I would be lying if my eyes didn’t water a bit from the breakup scene where the female character was crying herself.
For a play having so much depth and so many eccentricities buried in it, the director, actors, set designer, sound, lighting, and stage-hands all did a terrific job. This was a very challenging play to undertake no doubt, and it was well executed. Undertaking a play that has the main characters name in it, yet doesn’t actually seem to be the main focus of the play, was something not truly grasped until the curtain closes. The happy ending does not take place for Watson, instead he gets a sort of neutral one. Which in itself is the genius of the play. Watson is the constant helper, the rock, to the supporting characters. So even though the play is about Watson, it isn’t. A truly interesting play, and one that should be experienced if one had the chance.
On Sunday November, 21 the Dudley Experimental Theater put on the production The (curious case of the) Watson Intelligence directed by Jenna Soleo-Shanks. This production had the audience’s minds going in many different places trying to piece together what was happening as there were three Watson’s in different time periods. Although the play was confusing at times, the director’s approach to the script was appropriate, the characters were believable, and the set design/costume/sound made this production a worthwhile standout performance.
ReplyDeleteThe director’s approach to the script was appropriate as he used many cues for the audience to know what time period it was in. The cues the Shanks used included different music, props, and colors of the screen projected. If the director would not have made such obvious cues, the performance would have been confusing and scattered. With only having three characters in the entire production, it made the time periods feel connected; if different people were playing each character, the play would have not made as much sense. At some points in the play, it was slow, but there was comedy and mystery that kept the play engaging.
With each actor having to play at least two different characters, the characters were extremely believable. Dylan Rugh, who played all four of the Watsons, executed each character tremendously with having a different voice ranging from an old-time accent to casual talk for each Watson so the audience knew exactly which one it was. Rugh also executed facial expressions which portrayed each character with precision and gave each Watson uniqueness. Wes Anderson, as Merrick, accurately portrayed both of his characters. Both of the Merrick’s had an insecure dark side which brought the production conflict and energy. The character Eliza, performed by Chelsea Campbell, phenomenally fit her roles of the three Eliza’s. Campbell executed humor, confusion, and love which fit each character. The character that stood out the most was the modern day Eliza who dealt with separating from her husband, finding love, and being obsessed with her computer creation.
The costume design was well thought out as it helped the audience distinguish what time period the play was in. The scenic design also played an enormous role in setting the style of the play. The modern background on the screen of a house, with a Starbucks cup and laptop, suggested that it was in modern time. With the yellow lighting, and eloquent clothes and background on the screen, showed it was in the 1870’s. Sound was a key element in this performance as it helped transition scenes and gave the play movement. The sounds of the train engine gave the sense that the train was moving past the stage. The sounds were also used to distinguish the time periods with the different cellphone rings.
Overall, this play was worth attending as it provided mystery mixed with comedy. Even though some scenes were confusing, the director’s approach to the script made the play interesting, but still comprehendible. With distinct actions and extensive knowledge of their roles, all three actors executed believable characters which contributed to a memorable show.
Lauren Shomion
Jacob Fawcett/Watson Intelligence
ReplyDeleteThis last Wednesday 12/2, I watched a performance of Watson intelligence, a play put on by UMD. The play was very enjoyable and the actors showed a lot of skill and preparation.
One of the most astounding parts of the play to me was the wardrobe design of the play. In the play there were three actors who played the role of many characters. This, combined with the time periods the characters were from, being so drastically different created a big challenge for costume design. Yet the production crew met and overcame this challenge. The costumes looked very professional and I could always tell what time period the character were in due to their attire. The costumes also had to be designed in a way in which they could be changed quickly. One again I have to commend the actors on their skill and ability to switch so quickly. The costumes changes was also included in the production. There were scenes in which the characters got dressed in the scene so that it was easier to switch.
The backdrop of the stage was set up as a projection screen. This projections allowed us to understand what time the scene currently resided in. One of the best examples of this was a quick transition in the middle of a scene. The projection screen switched to an ATM and this made the switch to the current time period. Another interesting seen was when they used the steam to simulate a train moving.
One of my favorite aspects of this production was the dialect. The actors had different voices for the different characters. This helped us to believe the switches. This play would not have been nearly as powerful if the characters did not seem like they were different people. The dialect really did help this realism work and the actors showed great talent because they were able to switch their dialects in one scene.
They play also had some strong messages. My favorite messages that rebounded with me is that not everyone can be great. People need to support great people in order for them to reach their greatness.
The music that played while we entered the play and the music that played during intermissions was interesting. I felt it switched between a lots of different types of music. I felt that this helped us first get into and then stay in the mindset of changing times and places. Once again this allowed the play to seem more realistic.
I really did enjoy this production and it has been my favorite play this season. Finally once again I would like to say that the actors did a very good job. This play allowed us to see a story take place across multiple times and places and yet had a sense of believability and realism to it.
Late last month, UMD’s Department of Theater opened an opportunity for audience members to travel through time; its performance of The (curious case of the) Watson Intelligence granted this along with a compelling plot filled with romance, reconnaissance, and reminiscence on the past. Through a stellar cast of just three student actors, the Dudley Experimental Theater of the Marshall Performing Arts Center was transformed each night of the show. From Victorian England to modern day metropolis, audience members were taken on an adventure like no other within just a short couple of hours.
ReplyDeleteUpon entering the theater, audience members were greeted by the first scene’s set of a simple living room, seeming as if it could’ve been taken right out of a nearby college student’s home due to the presence of a Macbook laptop and a bottle of Jim Bean whiskey. Prior to the show, music played throughout the theater: a blend of piano and electronica. This gave off a premature vibe of the scientific aspects that would be coming soon within the show itself.
What’s most fascinating about this play was its ability to display three different stories back and forth throughout its duration. Each of these revolved around an individual named Watson, featuring two historic individuals: assistants of both Sherlock Holmes and Alexander Graham Bell. In addition, two modern-day Watsons were involved: a computer technician and a question answering computer, named after the first CEO of its developing company, IBM. All of these characters were portrayed by the incredibly talented Dylan Rugh. His abilities shone most through the distinguishability between each of the different Watsons portrayed through the course of the show.
Alongside Rugh’s Watsons were two others. The first was the leading lady, Eliza, played by Chelsea Campbell. Much like Rugh, Campbell exhibited incredible talent in portraying multiple different characters convincingly. The excellent costuming, done by designer Brandin Stagg, assisted especially well with Eliza’s character as she changed from a Victorian dress and accessories to jeans and a sweater. Of course, the costuming for each character accented their time periods astoundingly, but for her character, it distinguished the time differences clearly and boldly.
The third of the trio was just as remarkable as the others. Merrick, played by Wes Anderson, comes off strong each time he appeared on stage, appropriate for his characters. Both his characters were very similar in terms of intensity, even from different centuries. Because of this, a nice balance came about the performance as each of the three actors portrayed very different types of individuals: Watson being the charmer, Eliza the witty one, and Merrick the vehement one.
Towards the end of the performance, all that seemed confusing in the beginning comes together in a marvelous way. Despite the rapid dashing back and forth between time periods, each of the stories became a joy to follow along with. In addition, the characters all became familiar, relatable, and easy to empathize with. It all topped off with a beautifully philosophical main theme of our dependency on others to be complete as humans.
Altogether, the Theatre Department at UMD did not disappoint with their production of The (curious case of the) Watson Intelligence. There’s no doubt audience members would be wishing to back in time once again to relive the show over and over again.
Jonathan Cukla
On Sunday December 6th, The (curious case of the) Watson Intelligence was put on in the Dudley Experimental Theatre here at the University of Minnesota Duluth. Jenna Soleo-Shanks directed the outstanding piece with only three actors and an extremely small space. In this fast paced, quickly changing play, Jenna was able to create an inspiring adventure with plenty of laughs along the way.
ReplyDeleteThroughout the play there are four different Watson's from various periods of time who are all extremely gifted when it comes to intelligence. Hence the title of the play. Three of the four Watson characters were real beings from our history, first being Dr. Watson from the Sherlock Holms novels, Thomas Watson, who was Alexander Graham Bell's assistant, and finally WATSON the super-computer developed by IBM. The last Watson however was made up by the playwright to help pull together all of the other Watson's in the play. Having this made up character who lived during modern time was the fixed point of the play, thus making everything relevant. Because the entire play revolved around the Watson characters the other two actors had much more of a support role but did nothing short of amazing.
The setting to the stage was also something to take note of. The simple backdrop made it very easy and smooth when changing time periods also making the props more noticeable. The transition of characters and props done by the stagehands was quick and efficient. Easy things such as turning a luxurious couch into a more modern common couch by throwing a sheet over it, or having a fold out bed come out of the backdrop did wonders for the play. Every time a scene was changing time periods you could tell by the noise being played while everyone was getting prepared, making it easier to keep up with the story.
Another thing that also made the setting as stunning as it was were the outfits each character wore throughout the play. As jumping through different decades the cast was able to keep up with the diverse fashion changes in a timely manner. From old British suits, to modern day Dweeb Team apparel.. or even boxers and socks, they made it all come together and work so well.
From start to finish the actors took the stage bursting with confidence which only paid off even more. With such a difficult task to portray, let alone only needing three actors to do it was an incredible feat. Each actor played their characters exceptionally well, whether it was trying to get a laugh or pulling us in on a tragic breakup, they made it happen. Everyone included in this play, from the actors and directors to the stagehands and lighting crew did a fantastic job and took the audience on a ride through time. Leaving us with a questionable but curious ending, only making it that much better. Definitely an interesting play that should be seen if can.
On Friday December 4th*
DeleteOn November 22, 2015 the most recent production done by the University of Minnesota Duluth’s Dudley Experimental Theatre was performed, the play done was The (Curious Case of the) Watson Intelligence. Just like Spoon River there was a challenge of a few cast members playing multiple roles, but they managed to pull it off again. The director, Jenna Soleo-Shanks, did a good job making a potentially very confusing play enjoyable to watch and possible to understand.
ReplyDeleteThis play takes us through different time periods with four characters all named Watson. The first Watson in the play is a computer that competes in the game show Jeopardy. The next Watson we are introduced to is Josh Watson who is a member of the Dweeb Team. Dr. John Watson is the third Watson to enter the play, he is well known for being Sherlock Holmes’ sidekick. The last Watson in the play is Thomas A. Watson who we are told is Alexander Graham Bell’s assistant when he invented the telephone.
All four of these Watson characters were played by Dylan Rugh. He did a wonderful job creating a personae for all four characters which made it easier to differentiate which character was on stage and what time period the play was set in during that particular scene. All of Dylan’s performances were well done, but his strongest character was Josh Watson. He really sold this character and it was the most enjoyable to watch.
Chelsea Campbell also had the task of playing multiple characters including a housewife, a computer designer, and a radio interviewer all named Eliza. Although most of her performance was well done there were times when it seemed she wasn’t really making the audience believe the character. Altogether she put on a fine performance, next to Dylan Rugh her acting was not as good.
The final actor in the play was Wes Anderson who played two characters named Merrick. At one time he was running for city auditor and the other he was an evil scientist. He portrayed these characters marvelously, and his dark and evil manner was very convincing.
The scene and costume design for plays is always very important, but it was especially pertinent in this play because there were several different time periods that were being jumped between so the design really had to get across to the audience where we were. Altogether it was very well done. The quick changes were done effectively and were different enough to clearly show what time period that scene was in.
Sometimes the play was hard to follow, but that was to be expected with all the jumping into different time periods every scene. The great acting helped this problem by creating completely different characters for every time period, but the costumes and set design did a great job as well.
The play was well done and the message was able to get across. This play showed how people are all connected to each other and we should try to be an “exquisite helper”. I would definitely recommend this play to anyone that enjoys to be left thinking afterwards.
Anne Winter
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ReplyDeleteAfter seeing The (curious case of the) Watson Intelligence, at the Dudley Theatre on the University of Minnesota Duluth campus, I have come to the conclusion that I would recommend this show to those interested in a mind game and those who are able to keep up with a confusing plot line. I thought that the actors had a good sense of who their characters were as people, they were able to speak in ways that were appropriate to the time period, and that they were able to keep the audience engaged for two and a half hours. The show was very enjoyable and the actors did a phenomenal job.
ReplyDeleteOne thing that is very noticeable in many shows is that the actors are good at acting but don’t fully understand who their character is, so their talent is wasted almost. In this show, each actor was fully engaged and entertained by their characters. Dylan Rugh who played Watson was absolutely hilarious as the robot. He was very straight and to the point, as a robot would be. Then, you saw him transform into a member of the “Dweeb Team”, the inventor of the telephone, and as Sherlock Holmes’ helper. Dylan was able to be each character while keeping a recurring theme throughout each one. Noticing that the actors understood their parts made the show worth watching.
It was very impressive at how each actor was able to change their voice according to which character they were playing. I am aware that they take classes to work on that but they are able to change so quickly from one accent to another. For instance, when Eliza (Chelsea Campbell) was talking to robot Watson she was using a modern, American accent; the next scene she was speaking very proper and almost British like. Also, Wes Anderson did the same thing with his part as Merrick. Dylan Rugh probably had a tougher time doing this, especially considering that one of his characters was a robot. Listening to them switch from one accent to another so quickly was so fun to watch.
Having a show that lasts over two hours is very risky. Audience members could lose interest or focus, and that could determine whether they enjoyed the show or not. So, it is impressive that the cast so easily entertained the audience and kept them engaged so well. It was a confusing show because of all the different time periods and different characters; this was also a risky choice. It shows how talented the cast was because it seemed effortless for them to be on stage for so long and to keep absorbed in the show for such a long period of time.
Overall, the show was exceptionally enjoyable to watch. Between being able to read their individual characters, listening to the different intonations change so quickly, and pulling of the lengthy show, the actors did such a phenomenal job. I highly recommend this show to 16 year olds and higher.
Serena Nebel
Once again, the students and staff of UMD put on another challenging, yet successful production in the 2015 season. The (curious case of the) Watson Intelligence, performed on the Dudley Experimental Theatre, took audience members back and forth on the time-machine of artificial intelligence. Director Jenna Soleo-Shanks did a phenomenal job casting this 3-person play, and the stage crew even got a laugh out of the audience. A difficult show to pull-off, but it was done so tastefully, and has been recommended to many friends.
ReplyDeleteDylan Rugh did an exceedingly well job playing four different Watson's. Charming, smart, witty, and not to mention, a babe with the "stache," he made audience members believe in each character on an individual level, instead of combining the four Watson’s as one. Rugh’s change in dialect and mechanisms offered a delightful insight to each generation of Watson’s and set him apart from many actors here at UMD. The first Watson, a computerized, live-action avatar was so robotically literal, the audience couldn’t help but chuckle at his resemblance to Siri: a technological aspect to our modern-day smartphones. His creator, Eliza, played off a “mad scientist- Frankenstein” relationship, and the duo made a perfect pair. The second Watson introduced, a college team member of what we know as “The Geek Squad,” was hilarious and witty. This Watson was very personable to many of the college-aged students in the audience, and added much comic relief to those who may not be as familiar with the theatre. The third and fourth Watson introduced were very spectacle and intelligent men, helping out those in need. Although it may be hard to dissect the two and see them as individuals, with the help of Brandin Stagg (costume designer,) it was easier to decipher the two.
Chelsea Campbell was in charge of three essential characters: Eliza, the Ph.D. bad girl who is wicked with her programming skills, Eliza, the radio host from the 19030’s, and Eliza, the curious housewife of the famous inventor. Her attitudes and mechanisms made audience members feel comfortable with the transitions of time periods. Campbell is a beautiful woman with incredible acting skills. Her frustrations and emotions were very relatable for a female college student, and her independence as a character seemed influential to not only myself, but many of my peers that saw the show as well. Not many women are credited for their work in technology, so the show was very refreshing for a feminist!
Wes Anderson, with his powerful projection and intimidating essence, did a spectacular job playing the overwhelming ex-husband and villainous inventor. A few stumbles here and there, Anderson carried on professionally. His edginess and impatientness brought audience members to the edge of their seats; they were drawn to his stories and his success. Anderson commanded attention, and he definitely deserves recognition for his assertiveness!
Although many people found the stage crew distracting, I enjoyed their presence between scenes. Being that it was only a three-person casted show, it was refreshing to see that the stage crew was getting some individual attention as well. Although that is not typically proper for a show, it’s rebellion and silliness reminded me much of the show. Another issue many audience members faced was the confusion of the dance scene in the beginning of the second act. Was it symbolic for sex? Did they take private dance lessons and were practicing in their underwear? It wasn’t furthering the play whatsoever, but maybe clarification would have relieved some confusion.
Nonetheless, the show was spectacular! Even though their was no fairytale ending, it was relatable and didn’t set high expectations for the real world. The transition to conclusion was peaceful, and wrapped up the show nicely. The connections throughout the show is applicable to our own lives, and that is a terrific thing to come out of a show.
Peityn Otto
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ReplyDeleteTo take on a show that jumps time-frames as often as The (Curious Case of the) Watson Intelligence is a challenge for any theater. However, in this production, the play was marvelously done. The set, the music, and the actors' performances were all tailored to near perfection.
ReplyDeleteWith such a static background, the set designers had to be very creative about where to put props and other pieces of the set. The plain square-patterned background made it easy for audiences to imagine different settings without a very drastic change in imagery, as well as spectacularly disguising the pullout bed. The addition of furniture that could easily have come from either the Victorian Era or a modern, stylized abode must have been quite the struggle to create. Something as simple as covering a modern computer in a cloth old enough to seem natural to the time period was done well. On the floor were very minimal markings as to where to adjust prop placement, but the actors and set workers worked swiftly and accurately anyway. The addition of the unaddressed clock cogs on the floor added to ambiance of the play without being overtly obvious. The simple step-room back gave a great illusion of space, as well as adding weight to the brief scene on the train without having to do more than change the lighting and place a few chairs. The set designed for this play could quickly become anyone's favorite.
All complements to the composer should be given. The music set before the play constructed a properly inquisitive tone, while also being genuinely pleasant to listen to. During the break, appropriately modern songs set the feel of the modern day where most of the second act would take place. Every other noise and note played during the production itself was obviously carefully chosen and ideal for the story.
Last, and certainly not least, the actors were exclusively talented. Each seemed to have a very good understanding of each character they portrayed, and demonstrated their difference in each character. In the case of Watson, he needed little more than a chair, and to take his socks and mustache off, to become a completely different person. Whenever an emotion changed, or something was being thought about, it was easily alerted to the audience. The idea to have one actor change from one character to another whilst giving a monologue was pure genius. His first character flowed masterfully into the other, with just enough breaking of the forth wall to make the audience seriously consider what they had just been shown. The absurd lack of time in quick changes is also worth mentioning.
If you want to see a play with a high production quality, anyone would recommend UMD's production of The Watson Intelligence. Scarcely could it have been done better by professional actors. To portray such an intellectual pursuit is a great challenge, and one that is most certainly met.
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ReplyDeleteThe Curious Case of the Watson Intelligence was performed at the Dudley Experimental Theatre which resides within the University of Minnesota Duluth campus. This production was directed by Jenna Soleo-Shanks and featured only three cast members who all played multiple parts. Throughout the performance the audience witnesses the stories of four different “Watsons” throughout time. I attended the “Bogo” night performance on December 2nd.
ReplyDeleteDylan Rugh portrayed the four different “Watsons” and did a very good job differentiating between all of them so the audience did not get confused at the time period. Throughout the production Rugh showed flashed of great skill with the use of humor, anger, emotion, and lots of wit that made for a stellar performance. His signature mustache cracked many audience members up including myself as all the “Watsons” were rocking his signature mustache. I feel that while the other actors did a solid job as well Rugh really was the shining star throughout the show.
Chelsea Campbell played three different characters including an IBM computer expert, a radio talk show host, and a troubled wife. They all went by the name of Eliza throughout the production. Throughout she is seen as a love interest for Watson and does a good job during the emotional parts of the play although she wasn’t quite believable to me in scenes without much action or drama. Overall in my humble opinion I think she was a good fit for Eliza and I would be happy to see another production in which Chelsea is casted because I think it would be interesting to see her perform as another character.
Wes Anderson also took on two roles both named Merrick and for me personally I really liked him because I felt like he gave the audience a comic relief. He was an enthusiastic and commanding character for the roles of an inventor and a recently divorced, lonely man. The scene where he and Watson get into a “fist fight” was very humorous and provided the audience with a good laugh. Overall he did a spectacular job as more of a supporting role due to the lesser amount of time on stage than the other two actors in this production.
The play had a simple set up that featured a sofa/bed with a computer desk for most of the scenes. Sometimes the stage crew drew attention away from the performance when they were swapping out props mid scene. It did not particularly bother me because I knew it was important to change props in order to reflect the time period but I could see other eyes in the audience being drawn to the stage crew instead of the acting. The costume design did an impressive job of clearly differentiating the time period that the current scene was at.
A very confusing part of the production for me was the scene with Watson and Eliza dancing while unclothed. I think it is supposed to be representing sex and others that I talked to after the production seemed to think the same. If so then I think that was a really creative way of showing an important aspect of Watson and Eliza’s relationship.
At times the play was confusing and hard to follow but throughout I keep putting pieces of the puzzle together until everything started making sense. It was a challenging production to keep up with but I think that is how the director Jenna Soleo-Shanks intended it to be. This was my favorite play that I got to see put on by UMD students this year and I would be happy to recommend friends and family to go see this production.
-Bailey Mills
December 30th UMD's Dudley Experimental Theater performed The Curious Case of Watson Intelligence by Madeleine George. The play consisted of only three actors portraying multiple versions of their characters in different time periods. Directed by Jenna Soleo-Shanks, this play seemed challenging yet it was one for the ages.
ReplyDeleteIn this play there were four Watson characters; John Watson, Thomas Watson, Watson the prototype, and Dr. John Watson. Each Watson character was played by the talented actor Dylan Rugh, he did a good job of transitioning through each time period and making each Watson have their own personality traits and still relate to each other. John Watson was a on the “Dweeb Team” and repaired computers, Thomas Watson was the assistant to Alexander Graham Bell, Watson was an intelligence computer made to beat Jeopardy contestants, and Dr. John Watson was Sherlock Holmes’ sidekick. All characters were clearly established and made sense in each scene.
Eliza was played by Chelsea Campbell and appeared three different time periods. The Eliza characters consisted of the modern computer scientist, the Victorian era distressed wife, and the 1930’s radio show interviewer. Campbell did an excellent job of adding a little humor, sass and aggravation to the play, making the audience fall in love with her.
Lastly there was the antagonist character Merrick played by Wes Anderson. The strong yet troubled character played Eliza’s husband in two eras. Merrick was a mixture of evil and seductive humor and relate-ability that the audience couldn't hate him completely. Anderson played the role in each era relatively similar which was a nice balance to the contrasting characters.
Costume design played a key role in the success of this play. Brandin Stagg accomplished costumes that fit each time period of the play. The audience was able to effortlessly distinguish between time periods, connect with the characters. The set designed by Kia Lor was also a success due to its simplicity and versatility. With few props and design elements it kept the audience from getting too distracted.
Although the characters did a great job of keeping the audience engaged, at times the play was slightly hard to grasp. Some scenes took a while to understand the relevance or plot, but that happens when there are three actors portraying the same three characters but in four different time periods. The set crew also became a little distracting at times, they were on stage frequently to help dress the characters and move props but they seemed to be on stage more than usual.
Overall the play was a success and worth seeing. The actors did an excellent job of keeping the audience entertained and time traveled through scenes effortlessly. The play hit topics of relationships, connections, and everyone's longing to be loved.
Dana Langlee
ReplyDeleteThe (Curious Case of) Watson Intelligence held its opening night performance on Thursday, October 19th at the University of Minnesota Duluth’s Dudley Experimental Theatre. Directed by Jenna Soleo-Shanks, this Pulitzer Prize nominated play told the psychologically complex yet touching tale of Watson, Eliza and Merrick. Each of these talented actors played multiple versions of their character, spanned throughout the course of over 130 years.
There are four Watsons, all of which are “exquisite helpers.” Three of these characters are placed throughout history, and one is of playwright Madeleine George’s own invention. The first is Dr. John Watson, famous in Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Homes series as Sherlock’s faithful assistant. Then there is Thomas Watson, assistant to Alexander Graham Bell, and Watson, an A.I robot derived from Jeopardy’s IBM computer that was able to beat top the game’s top contestants in 2011. Finally there is Josh Watson, a member of the computer repair company “Dweeb Team” as well as Eliza’s love interest for the majority of the play.
All of the Watsons were played by Dylan Rugh, who personified his loving, geeky, and charming role in all the right ways. Rugh’s facial expressions and well delivered lines captivated the audience, sending them reeling into laughter one moment and tugging at their heart strings the next. Even though Rugh almost never left the stage, he was able to switch between his four characters with ease and kept an energetic, entertaining performance throughout the entire two and a half hours of the show.
Chelsea Campbell did a fabulous job bringing her three characters to life. Campbell played a concerned yet suspicious Victorian wife, a 1930’s interviewer, and her main role as Eliza staged in 2014. Eliza is a computer software designer, hoping to change the world with her new social A.I. technology that Watson holds. It is through this character that Campbell brings her best, fully conveying the confident, yearning character that Eliza is.
The third actor, Wes Anderson, greatly contrasts Watson’s character as Merrick, playing both a crazy Victorian doctor as well as a neurotic modern day politician. Anderson captured Merrick’s dark and demanding nature well, leaving the audience wondering why Eliza ever decided to marry Merrick in the first place.
Besides the quality acting, the most impressive aspect of this production were the characters costumes. Lead Rugh rarely left stage, and yet managed to transition between costumes with ease using multiple layered costumes to depict different time periods. All of the costumes reflected the time periods to a T, making it easier for the audience to depict when a time and story of the plot had changed. Eliza’s Victorian style dress was absolutely stunning, as well as Merrick and Watson’s suits. Costume designer Brandin Stagg certainly outdid himself.
Another impressive aspect of this production was the set design. Kia Lor’s set had a simple backdrop that remained relevant throughout all three time differences in the play. It also allowed for different projections at time jumps in the show, furthering the ease of time changing scenes. The retractable bed built into the left wall of the set was extremely clever, and a personal favorite.
Even though The (Curious Case of) Watson Intelligence was an abnormally long play, George’s plot, the superb acting, and the visually pleasing set and costumes kept the audience at the edge of their seats. This was an extremely entertaining production, as well as relatable and authentic. It’s one of those shows that leaves the audience thinking, as well as begging for more.
The play The (Curious Case of the) Watson Intelligence follows three seemingly different- but surprisingly similar- Watsons through defining moments in their lives. Director Jenna Soleo-Shanks combined their worlds seamlessly into one and the three actors transition quickly between time periods and personalities. The show is surprising, complex, and actually relatable.
ReplyDeleteDylan Rugh plays all of the Watsons and their distinct personalities very well. Perhaps the most well known, Sherlock Holmes’ sidekick, is tied up solving a mystery of his own about a woman’s sadistic husband. Telephone inventor Alexander Graham Bell’s first call recipient is dying to set the record straight about how that fateful night really happened. IBM’s ultra smart computer is trying to learn everything he can to better help those in need navigate social services. And perhaps the most relatable of the Watsons, Josh, is a computer nerd and serviceman who finds himself tangled up in a client’s love life- even falling in love with his ex wife. The thread that ties them all together is their role as the assistant, and the merits that holds in our culture.
Wes Anderson is the vengeful, disgruntled, and even downright evil counterpart to two of the Watsons. As Merrick, he plays both the homicidal husband of the young woman seeking Sherlock’s help and the city auditor and obsessed ex-husband of Eliza the genius computer programmer. Though he sends Josh Watson to spy on her for money, he accidentally grows a real and powerful relationship with her.
Finally, Chelsea Campbell played the only woman in the play, Eliza. She plays a woman in danger of her husband’s wrath, an impatient radio announcer, and recent divorcee who divides her time between designing advanced computer technology and chatting with Watson the AI robot. Her whirlwind romance with Josh Watson comes to a screeching halt when her insecurities get ahold of her.
The set was seemingly simple, but came to life with the things you could not immediately see. With fold-out beds, hidden doors, and a huge screen, the set easily transformed from apartment to coffee shop and from 19th century to 1930s. Set designer Kia Lor used these creative strategies to turn a very small space into many distinct and immersive worlds.
The costumes were appropriate for each of the time periods and truly represented the character’s personalities. Designer Brandin Stagg’s costumes were surprisingly detailed for the amount of changes the characters had to make. Their changes were quick and seamless, which had to be intricately worked in to the play itself.
The play itself was very long- two and a half hours. A ways into the second act, the audience seemed a bit restless and were surely wondering how this could be wrapped up. However, the play wasn’t really wrapped up at all. There was some meeting up of characters from different eras, but there were no real answers about what happens to Josh and Eliza’s relationship.
Though this show is highly thought provoking and well presented, it did seem to get a little too far into philosophical thought at times to feel lifelike. It was pressing for the audience to feel connected to the story through the whole production, but over all, the play did what it set out to do. It made spectators think about love and loss, about technology and intimacy, about communication and morality. These themes are something we all face in our 21st century culture and that have a deep impact on our lives. This play gives us hope for a better tomorrow, and trust in an improving today.
The Watson Intelligence, what a showing. I don’t know what I was expecting as I was walking into the Dudley Theater but I was surely impressed when I walked out. I was upset, however of how many cliff hangers were left in my head as I left the theater. There were many things that I had left unanswered such as the Sherlock Homes Watson. The audience never knew what happened with that. I was impressed with the Watson’s actor to switch costumes from scene to scene. Since Watson was in almost every scene it must have been difficult for him to change every scene.
ReplyDeleteWatson, come here, I want to see you.
A line directly from the play that was used repeatedly even when Watson explained that that wasn’t the line that was supposed to be said. I was confused a lot of the time between deciding if Watson was a person or if he was a person. It is clear that when the girl was talking to him and he was giving awkward comments back that he was programmed to do that and he was a computer.
The specific costumes of the play varied as the period of the play changed. And it did change. At one moment we were in present day then we were in the past times with Sherlock Homes and Doctor Watson. When the time period changed though you could tell what was happening in the story of that time. You could tell what was happening in that Watson’s time period. The costume of Watson was very specific however. He wore what you would expect from a detective from that time period in Sherlock Homes’ time, and what he wore as an IT guy when he was hired by whom he worked for as the IT guy who fixed his computer.
I didn’t see what the play writer’s overall meaning for the play was but they wrote a play that was very interesting and very funny to watch. Through the paranoid husband screaming at the ATM to work to the point where his wife told him that she was cheating on him with the IT guy that he sent to spy on her. The play produced some good laughter out of the audience and it was pretty clear that that is what the play writer’s intentions were.
Michael Ludwig
The (Curious Case of the) Watson Intelligence, directed by Jenna Soles-Shanks, was put on by University Minnesota Duluth Theatre Department in the Dudley Experimental Theater. The play was set in 4 different times in history slowly unraveling the mystery of Watson, from 1876 to 2011.
ReplyDeleteWith a small cast of three people the charters transitioned smoothly between a personalities from 1876 to one in 2011. Chelsea Campbell played Eliza, transitioned from a classy young formal lady to a modern independent women keeping her roles separated yet letting each charter have some influence on the other. Being the only girl in the cast she as the opportunity to voice her opinion making her role that feminist touch to the play.
Watson played by Dylan Rugh didn’t leave stage often. Rugh not having time to get off stage had to have his lines down no matter what, with the dialog being fast, he had a few hiccups on stage. Rogh played four different Watsons, he was a robot/computer man, a common day geek, an inventor’s assistant, and a biographer. Rogh kept both of the charters s separate but let each one intertwine with each other.
Costume designer Brandin Stagg had a default task of making the costume appropriate to the time setting but still easy to get in and out of. The majority of Rugh’s costumes changes happened on stage with everyone watching him, at one point we saw Rogh and Campbell strip down to their underwear. Over all the costumes reflected each charters personality for each time frame. Along with informing the audience what year scene were being takin place.
The set designer Kia Lor made the set look realistic, with the many different times the play took place in. Lor made each design right for the time with the old furnishings and the fire place in the living room for Watson’s house and Eliza room. Eliza’s bed also was an excellent idea of space and planning. Moving walls made the quick changes even faster and easy to set the time of the play as well. All though it was simple it did what was needed for the play
Merrik played by Wes Anderson, being the oldest cast member he played a man running for city auditor and an evil scientist. Anderson’s vocals being loud, strong, and intimidating fit the role very well for his charters. The physical look of Anderson fits the charters being tall he has to be intimidating and scary
Over all the play was funny, intriguing, mystery about what and who Watson is. The cast connected well with each other and the absences making it fun to fallow. I would remind this show to see it keeps you thinking.
Meg Sigurdson
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThe (Curious Case of the) Watson Intelligence, directed by Jenna Soles-Shanks, was put on by University Minnesota Duluth Theatre Department in the Dudley Experimental Theater. The play was set in 4 different times in history slowly unraveling the mystery of Watson, from 1876 to 2011.
ReplyDeleteWith a small cast of three people the charters transitioned smoothly between a personalities from 1876 to one in 2011. Chelsea Campbell played Eliza, transitioned from a classy young formal lady to a modern independent women keeping her roles separated yet letting each charter have some influence on the other. Being the only girl in the cast she as the opportunity to voice her opinion making her role that feminist touch to the play.
Watson played by Dylan Rugh didn’t leave stage often. Rugh not having time to get off stage had to have his lines down no matter what, with the dialog being fast, he had a few hiccups on stage. Rogh played four different Watsons, he was a robot/computer man, a common day geek, an inventor’s assistant, and a biographer. Rogh kept both of the charters s separate but let each one intertwine with each other.
Costume designer Brandin Stagg had a default task of making the costume appropriate to the time setting but still easy to get in and out of. The majority of Rugh’s costumes changes happened on stage with everyone watching him, at one point we saw Rogh and Campbell strip down to their underwear. Over all the costumes reflected each charters personality for each time frame. Along with informing the audience what year scene were being takin place.
The set designer Kia Lor made the set look realistic, with the many different times the play took place in. Lor made each design right for the time with the old furnishings and the fire place in the living room for Watson’s house and Eliza room. Eliza’s bed also was an excellent idea of space and planning. Moving walls made the quick changes even faster and easy to set the time of the play as well. All though it was simple it did what was needed for the play
Merrik played by Wes Anderson, being the oldest cast member he played a man running for city auditor and an evil scientist. Anderson’s vocals being loud, strong, and intimidating fit the role very well for his charters. The physical look of Anderson fits the charters being tall he has to be intimidating and scary
Over all the play was funny, intriguing, mystery about what and who Watson is. The cast connected well with each other and the absences making it fun to fallow. I would remind this show to see it keeps you thinking.
Meg Sigurdson
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteOn December 4th, 2105, I went to go see the production of, The (curious case of the) Watson Intelligence, in the Dudley theater at the University of Minnesota Duluth. The production was about two and a half hours long. Although the plot was hard to keep up with the actors had the audience engaged for the whole show. The play consisted of three actors, Wes Anderson, who played Merrick, Chelsea Campbell, played the character of Eliza, and Dylan Rugh, who played the leading role as Watson. These actors took their characters to a whole new level.
ReplyDeleteDylan Rugh did an outstanding job by switching back a forth between the different Watsons. Going from a, funny smart and sassy, robot to a member of the “geek squad” in a matter of seconds was mind blowing for how quick he changed his appearance and personality. Chelsea also did a good job of changing her character as well. Going from a technology loving girl to a proper British women from a different time period. The change of time periods throughout the show were confusing at first but it all made sense by the end of the play.
There were a few noticeable mistakes shown in the show. All of that is to be expected considering the cast was so small. The character of Merrick, played by Wes Anderson, seemed to hesitate and stumble over multiple lines he had. Wes bounced back quickly and didn’t let the mistake stop him from putting on a great performance. The side stage changes were distracting from what was happening on stage at the time. Watson had to make quick costume changes multiple times so he went off to the side to change. I could see this from the corner of my eye and caused me to have trouble focusing on what was be said on stage. The scene changes were also a huge inconvenience. Some of the scene changes happened when the characters were acting on stage. This was also a huge distraction to the audience and had them not catch key parts of the play.
The director, Jenna Soleo-Shanks, made the right choice when deciding to take on this production. All the characters fit their rolls nicely and it was clear they spent a lot of time together. The actors seemed comfortable with one another and with their characters they played. The performance space was small which made the show more interactive. For example, Watson ran to an audience member and sat in their lap at one point of the show. He also gave another audience member a hat and talked to them. This kept the audience engaged in what was happening throughout the production.
This production is defiantly one to go see. With recent technology and the thought of what future technology could look like. The play will have you laughing out loud at the funny and interesting characters. This play is great for any one over the age of sixteen, as there is inappropriate language and some nudity. Give yourself a challenge and figure out this hard to follow plot line and have a laugh at all of Watsons quirky characters. Leave the children at home and come see The (Curious case of the) Watson Intelligence.
-Gillian Williams
A play centered around wit, The (curious case of the) Watson Intelligence somehow maintained an optimal balance between cleverness and understandability throughout the show. Jumping between different time periods creates the potential of becoming too intricate and alienating the audience. However, even though a lot of the jokes were high-level and multi-layered, they never seemed as if they were trying too hard to be funny or stump the audience. The storyline was intriguing and easy to follow, making The Watson Intelligence a great way to spend an evening at UMD.
ReplyDeleteWritten by Madeleine George and directed by Jenna Soleo-Shanks, The Watson Intelligence was brilliantly thought out. The stage was simplistic, and therefore easy to manipulate to create many different locations for scenes of the play. The lighting played a huge part in differentiating the locations of separate scenes in the show and aided the projection of characters’ emotions when necessary. Each character in the show had a unique costume based on the era he/she was living in, and each costume was as intricate and clever as the next.
There were four “Watsons” portrayed in this production: Watson the computer, a prototype of the famous IBM computer; John Watson, sidekick of the infamous Sherlock Holmes; Thomas Watson, the forgotten assistant to Alexander Graham Bell; and Josh Watson, a member of the Dweeb Team computer service. Aside from being intelligent, each Watson was an excellent listener and cared deeply for their friends in the play. Each Watson was played by Dylan Rugh, who was charming and quick-witted throughout. Portraying two corners of an inter-species love square seemed easy when performed by Dylan, an excellent choice for Watson.
The central antagonists named Merrick, portrayed by Wes Anderson, were delightfully dastardly. Both Merricks were attempting to foil Watsons and, ironically, Merrick’s love interest was always pursued by Watson in the respective time period. Wes did a marvelous job of being the villain with a deep-dark voice and glare that would spook even the most solemn theatergoer.
Wining the hearts of both Watson and Merrick was Eliza, portrayed by Chelsea Campbell. There existed three different Elizas, but the one that caught the audience’s attention the most was the modern day computer scientist caught in a love square. Trying to balance the affection of Josh Watson, computer Watson, and Merrick, Eliza was an imperfect woman who reacted as to one would expect any human. Chelsea turned in an amazing performance that will not soon be forgotten by the captivated audience.
Each actor seamlessly executed lightning-fast wardrobe changes, a feat not easily accomplished in front of a crowd of over 100 people. Recognition is also due to the stage hands manipulating the stage when changing time periods. The show was 2.5 hours, but the cast and crew worked hard to keep it that short. Although the story was intriguing, the omission of the Thomas Watson storyline would make for a more compelling and concise play. Even still, The Watson Intelligence was an excellent production and deserves praise.
With a capable ensemble, a clever stage design, and competent direction, the University of Minnesota-Duluth’s production of The (Curious Case of the) Watson Intelligence has everything a show needs to successfully entertain its audience for two and a half hours. Where the issue begins is in its foundation: the material.
ReplyDeleteWatson Intelligence is, on the surface, a fairly heady piece of material: the story skips between time periods, going from the first telephone to a supercomputer in one blackout. The language used is florid and eloquent, but also long-winded and with a tendency to go nowhere and tell no story. While Madeleine George is a talented writer, it is unclear just what Watson Intelligence is trying to be or what it is trying to say, and the audience found itself lost or bored several times.
There is little fault to be found at the hands of this production’s design, however. Kia Lore’s scenic design is simple and deceptively versatile, with set pieces that are easy to move and used more than once in more than one time period. The costumes, designed by Brandin Stagg, are all aesthetically pleasing and serve as the biggest signifiers of changes in time, with the character of Merrick even switching time periods via costume change on stage during a monologue.
The best aspects of the production are its three actors, whose talent is equally matched if not stronger than the weight of the material. Dylan Rugh’s Watsons, one being a supercomputer, are all likeable and genuine. His dialect changes are seamless, going from the artificial voice of a computer to the British lilt of a doctor in one blackout. Each Watson throughout the time periods maintains the key traits of trustworthiness and compassion while also adjusting to the time change as needed. Chelsea Campbell’s Eliza varies in character between decades, more a trait of the writing than the actress; Campbell’s portrayal is at once heartbreaking and funny, and she handles the tone changes in the material with ease. Wes Anderson’s performance got stronger as the show went on, but he was always believable; this is especially impressive considering how Merrick’s personality switches from outright malicious to downtrodden and sardonic between periods. Moments where the actors stumbled over their lines, of which there were a few, were handled like normal slips in vernacular.
This production of The (curious case of the) Watson Intelligence, though straining under the girth of the show itself, is thoughtfully designed and supremely acted. Those who stayed the whole evening where, in the end, were given a reflective and mostly enjoyable evening.
[EB DeGross]
UMD Theatre’s production of The (Curious Case Of The) Watson Intelligence was one to remember. The very interesting approach of covering a plot line that covers multiple time periods is very ambitious, especially by such a small cast, but the directing of Madeleine George and the acting of Wes Anderson, Chelsea Campbell, and Dylan Rugh made great of a difficult task. The acting and dialogue was very witty and the uniqueness of each character really allowed the play to be as versatile as the audience wanted it to be. It was very impressive how each of the actors could embody such a strong character in four very different time periods.
ReplyDeleteThe play was very entertaining and comical. It seemed like the director used a sense of typecasting for the roles because the actors were a perfect fit for each of their characters. Because of the great casting, the show was very believable and intimate with the audience. I often found myself laughing at scenes and interactions between characters because it was something relatable. I was genuinely intrigued by every character when they were speaking and the characters seemed to capture the entire audience when it was their turn to. The stage and set was very basic yet it served the production well. There were many scene changes because of the changing time periods and every single one went very smoothly because of the small size of the set.
The props and scenery were used in very creative ways. The very intimate scene in bed between Eliza and Watson was one of the more memorable scenes because of the way they fixed the bed so that the entire audience could see the very humorous non verbal interactions. The lighting was appropriate as well as the set because they complimented each other very well. The floor of the set had a very unique lighting design on it that looked much like clock machinery, which related to the theme of the play. The sound of Watson Intelligence was managed well with carefulness and accuracy. Every sound in the play complimented the characters and what was going on. The costuming was fantastic as well, creating realistic depictions of what fashions were popular in each of the time periods (1876, 1891, 1931, 2011) in the play. All of the offstage aspects of the play were very well thought out and it was apparent that a lot of time and effort went into the preparation of them all in order to compliment the plays’ on stage aspects and performances.
Dylan Rugh, actor of Watson, was the stand out performance. He delivered his lines as if they were natural and self thought and his non verbals and facial expressions were hard to not look at. Chelsea Campbell, actor of Eliza, also gave a great performance because she depicted her character’s vulnerability and innocence very well. Overall, all of the actors performances were very strong that made the play very enjoyable to watch.
In conclusion, UMD Theatre’s entire production of Watson Intelligence was very impressive. It was enjoyable to watch and it created a desire for the audience to see more plays at UMD.
UMD Theater recently put on a production of The Curious Case of the Watson Intelligence. It presents the story of four different Watsons; John Watson, the sidekick of Sherlock holmes, Mr. Thomas Watson, who was the assistant of Alexander Graham Bell, and Watson, the supercomputer A.I.
ReplyDeleteThis play seemed longer than it needed to be. While being beautifully directed and wonderfully acted, the writing left something to be desired.
The storyline seemed confusing and practically needing to create a chart to follow along. The storyline is muddied and unclear, as is the message.
This particular production of Watson, however, was very well done. The lighting design was beautiful and prompted wonder, and the acting was as good as it could have been. This production was very good, but the material leaves something to be desired.
Dylan Rugh's various Watson's was genuine, was relatable. He had the audience laughing at points, particularly during the scene with Eliza in bed.
The set design was understated, while still able to slide from time period to time period with ease. Easy to move, easy to fit into the four separate time periods, it was beautifully well done.
The lighting design was also well done, and was very intuitive. It seemed to follow the actors, which was very cool. It was enjoyable to watch, and very cool.
The material left a lot to be desired. The storyline was confusing, as it hopped back and forth from Watson to Watson. Madeline George presumably had a reason for making the story this way, but that reason has not been found. It was muddied, confusing, and the audience practically needed a chart to follow along. It made the lesson of the play less visible, and made it less enjoyable
All in all, the production itself was a joy to watch, while the script was left behind in the dust. The actors and actresses delivered a wonderful production of a script that was lacking in many areas.
On Wednesday, December 2nd, the University of Minnesota Duluth put on a fascinating production of The (Curious Case of the) Watson Intelligence, in the Dudley Experimental Theatre. Set through three different time periods, it was a diverse show linking four different Watson’s.
ReplyDeleteA bit confusing and not entirely clear, the four Watson’s transition; starting with a futuristic Watson, an A.I. computer, and moving back and forth in time to a computer repairman and member of the Dweeb Team, assistant to Alexander Graham Bell, and Sherlock Holmes’ personal assistant.
Dylan Rugh, who put on a splendid performance and effectively nails each characters personality and accent, plays all of the Watsons. Eliza played by Chelsea Campbell, only performed as three different characters, while Wes Anderson performed as two characters named Merrick. Campbell and Rugh surely convinced the audience of their chemistry, and although Anderson had a few slip ups with his lines, he projected explicitly and with poise. All of their talents lit up the stage with bright electricity.
Scenic design by Kia Lor was simple, yet appropriate to frequent changes in time periods. A simple set of couches and coffee table, or computer desk was enough to suffice for each scene. The digital projections on screen behind the actors, although somewhat faulty, assisted in the direction in time the story was moving. Sound by Wesley Darton seemed a bit off, with quick spurts of music in transitions, it was too momentary and did not feel appropriate.
Even though sound design was off, costume design by Brandin Stagg appeared a difficult task, but was carried out magnificently. As Rugh was on stage almost fully, his costume changes needed to be quick, and they were entirely effective. Anderson had a difficult wardrobe too, and his change of character completely on stage was impressive, transitioning not only outfits but accents while in view of the audience.
This production overall was a bit of a postmodern try at a seemingly too simple a concept. Regardless it held its integrity throughout, by transitioning with ease through time. This play shows a capacity for intimacy in a modern age by addressing relationships in association with technology.
UMD’s presentation of The (curious case of the) Watson Intelligence brings a show that forces the viewer to put together the pieces of the plot. Whereas traditional stories are chronological and linear, The Watson Intelligence jumps back and forth from century to century and multiple stories. Another aspect that adds to the luster of this performance is that there are only three actors in the production.
ReplyDeleteWes Anderson played the villainous roles of a conspiracy theorist who is running for political office and the inventor of the pistol in the 1800’s. There are moments in his acting where he is witty and business mannered. This behavior will eventually roll over to a crazed man at the end of his wits, talking very loudly and fast.
Dylan Rugh plays all of the different Watson characters. His ability to embody different personalities is very strong and impressive. At one moment he is a hopeless romantic tech-dweeb, while at the next he is an intelligent and loyal doctor. His dialogue is complimented by his natural talent to act sincere and relaxed, and at no moment is his performance overdone.
Chelsea Campbell is the beautiful actress who is somehow involved between the aforementioned actors. Her characters range from an indecisive lover, intelligent robot builder, to an annoying talk show host. Her tempo at which she speaks varies depending on who she is playing, and she finds a way into the viewers’ heart.
The set design was very well thought out. The floors have different stains of wood forming gears, bottles of alcohol/tonics line the home of Sherlock Holmes, and a bed folds up into one of the front facing walls to aid transition. A 90’s era computer is seen at one point complete with a can of aerosol as a prop. What’s cool is that with a projector and a few set materials, each scene looks like a new room.
Lighting in this show is very impressive. Look for a dance scene where the actors are being followed by light with a blue hue that adds to the mystery of the show.
Costume design is very on point to the time era they represent. One creative note is during a time transition, the actor begins to dress in an older fashion and magically becomes a different character, all while in front of the audience and speaking.
At the end of the show, the pieces of the story have all been given away. Yet, through the confusion of time travel, it is up to the viewer to discover how the stories related and intertwined.
The (Curious Case of The) Watson Intelligence was a very unique show. Never had I ever heard of a play that jumped in between so many different things, especially when it came to the difference in time period between all of the stories. Going from one scene where they are in modern day to a scene from the late 1800’s and still keeping the same general timeline going was remarkable but at the same time somewhat confusing because of how people acted back then compared to now.
ReplyDeleteThe acting in this show was absolutely fantastic.
I was extremely surprised at how well the actor of all the Watson’s, Dylan Rugh, jumped in between all of his characters. He had to change attire constantly and act as 4 different main characters during the show, switching in between his American English accent, British English accent and the Watson computer voice. Not only did he seem to become the character, but he also made the character turn into him. He was very impressive.
The woman acting as Mrs. Merrick was as good as she could be. She bounced in between characters without any flaws using her voice and was spoke very loud for the audience to hear. She showed lots of emotion, never flat with her voice and very clear with what she’s saying. When she was the computer programmer she was easily at her best. It felt natural and seemed like she was genuinely that person.
Mr. Merrick, played by Wes Anderson, was the least seen of the three actors but was the comical character in the play. Constantly angry, swearing like a sailor when he was playing the political candidate, and throwing in the modern day scene of him at the ATM during the one of the scenes from the past was comical.
The set was simple yet useful for all the scenes, easily transformed from a room in the 1800’s to a modern day office space. The people changing the sets were very fast and would do some random little things that would make some audience members chuckle, like spinning furniture in circles in the middle of the room.
The costumes were very representative of their respective time periods and really added to the feel of the show. Being so close to the performers as you are in the Dudley, it almost felt as though you may have been there in that time period. How they performed such complex costume changes left me dumbfounded at times.
Overall, it was a very enjoyable show that certainly attracted a lot of people for something that most people had never heard of.
-Bowen Hendricks
Four Watsons over three time periods with what seems like no connection. Then you realize the connection is their impeccable intelligence. Intelligence that takes many forms, but none as great as the intelligence of the production team. Time travel has never been so flawlessly executed. Watson Intelligence, as a story, is a confusing ride at first, but as you catch on it becomes more than you thought possible.
ReplyDeleteThe play is about multiple Watsons throughout history each a genius in his own way. Some artificially, some naturally, and some only when it comes to human relationships. The jumps through time were confusing, but due to the genius of the production team, it was easy to catch on.
The production of the play was marvelously executed. The small space and limited budget were no obstacles to the production of this play. They used the plethora of lights in the Dudley to change mood and cast shadows for effect. The projections they used to extend the usefulness of the backdrop were the perfect effect for this small-time masterpiece.
The sound was perfectly tailored to the space. Effects filled the room and voices were easily projected, mostly due to the small space, making every line sound dynamic with emotions filling the air. There was not a moment where sound seemed out of place or distorted. The sound gave that feeling of watching as a fly on the wall.
The set design was another marvelously done aspect of this production. A very limited number of furniture pieces were used; however, they were repurposed for each scene. There were only about five pieces of furniture, but minor changes were made to the furniture to change both location and time period.
The actual backdrop itself had multiple functions as well. A bed was creatively hidden in one of the walls, so they could fold it down for certain scenes. Part of the other wall could slide out, and, with the addition of a shelf, could be turned into a display case, a shelf, or a dresser.
The costumes were quite possibly the most ingenious part of the production. Due to characters jumping time periods quickly, full costume changes were not really an option. To get around this obstacle the costumes were designed so that only a few things needed to be added to change periods. The addition of a coat and a different pair of shoes completely changed a character’s appearance.
This production juggled many difficulties with ease creating a carefully thought out and well produced play. The time jumps, with flashbacks and flash forwards, were done with mastery and ease. The small space and small budget seemed to actually help, not hinder, this production of Watson Intelligence.
-Connor Larson
The (curious case of the) Watson Intelligence, directed by Jenna Soleo-Shanks, was recently put on by UMD’s Stage 2 Theatre Department in the Dudley Experimental Theater. The Watson Intelligence is intermix of four different “Watsons” throughout history, yet the underlying theme was the same for all, everyone needs an exquisite helper.
ReplyDeleteDylan Rugh, whom played all four Watsons, is an incredible actor. Rugh was very clear in his transitions from Watson to Watson and really captured the different essence of every character. From the stiff, robotic nature of the supercomputer to the fun-loving, curious “Dweeb Team” member, Rugh could do it all without missing a beat.
Eliza, played by Chelsea Campbell, was by far the most engaging character. Campbell had the emotions and facials necessary to make her character feel authentic. With natural movement and a well written character, Campbell made The Watson Intelligence, which is about incredible (yet not very relatable) people, much easier to relate to.
Kia Lor and her crew made quite a notable set. The background had a pattern that wasn’t particular to a time period which allowed for the characters and their stories to be focused on. Although the pattern was simple, the set clearly was not. With multiple slides, and pull-outs such as the bed and mantel, Lor maximized the space in a way that really benefited the show.
The lighting and sound affected The Watson Intelligence in a very positive way. Kimberly Seifert used the lights in a way that helped tell the story throughout the show. Different colored lights in accordance with the sound created an underlying mood that perhaps wouldn’t have been noticed without them. Also notable was the collaboration between the scenic crew and lighting crew. Projections on the middle panel of the set created a much wider range of use on the stage and made the transitions between time periods go quickly.
Quite possibly the most impressive feature of the show were the quick changes and excellent costume choices. Campbell went from a full 1800’s gown to jeans and blouse in a matter of seconds. The costume designer, Brandin Stagg, made exceptional choices in terms of how much or how little extravagance was needed for each character and time management between scenes. The costumes were very cohesive and appealing.
Although overall a very entertaining show, The Watson Intelligence, was extremely hard to follow and there were many loose ends the audience was left wondering about. The idea of making the audience think afterwards was likely the writer’s, (Madeleine George), intention but in the end there was just too much going on to tie it together.
The (curious case of the) Watson Intelligence, being a completely student run show, went incredibly well. Definitely a show for those who like to think, the design crews and talented actors made a show that may not be everyone’s cup of tea, a little sweeter.
-Samantha Hudson
The play Watson intelligence is based on the super computer that is named Watson which is the largest super computer in the world which is currently housed at IBM. This play deals with the idea of artificial intelligence through different points in history. In the first scene the stage has been modified from a black box to a proscenium style theater with many unique features including a mantel that disappears in to a wall and a fold away bed that disappears in to a wall. The lighting for this show used a white back drop for multiple small scene changes one example is when one of the characters goes out side to withdrawal money from an atm instead of moving all of the props and furniture all the crew had to do was turn off the light s and turn on a projector. Another interesting point for the light crew is the fact that they used moveable led spot lights for a dance scent that happened just after intermission. The dance scene appeared One of the most amazing things that happened on stage though was a costume and character change right before our eyes the man was running for an elected office as he was giving his speech he transformed before the audience’s eyes with the help of the costume crew. The actor changed his speech his mannerisms even his train of thought was altered when he put on his new costume. An interesting point in this story was when the character s broke the fourth wall which happened during a scuffle in which one of the actors asked the audience member to hold his hat one of the difficult points was preserving the character’s identity through the various stages in history the make up team used a very distinctive mustache. also a medical tool is used by doctor Watson but seemed out of place in the future Watson. The play concluded with automaton named Watson that was emotionless which left the audience wandering if technology would ever evolve to the point where we as a species were obsolete.
ReplyDeleteJohn Fisher
ReplyDeleteShown at the University of Minnesota Duluth's Dudley Experimental Theatre and directed by Jenna Soles-Shanks, The Curious Case of Watson Intelligence is a witty and comedic play that touches on some of the more serious elements of life in a unique and intriguing way.
The title, chosen by the playwright Madeleine George, is derived from the name of a super computer built by IBM to compete in the popular game show, Jeopardy. The significance of the title comes from the fact that IBM has been pursuing artificial intelligence for quite some time.
The most impressive and unique aspect of the play is that the main character, Watson, is actually for different distinct characters that are all performed by one actor. This challenging yet ingenuous element of the play requires an actor who can quickly change from one persona to another within a short period of time.
The first incarnation of Watson is introduced at the beginning of the play as John Watson, the partner to the well-known fictional detective Sherlock Holmes. The second Watson is actually Thomas Watson who served as an assistant to Alexander Graham Bell during his construction of the first telephone. The third incarnation of Watson takes the form of the previously mentioned super computer built by IMB in the 2000’s. The final Watson is named Josh Watson, a fictitious character created by Madeline George for the play who works for the “Dweeb Team”.
All four Watson’s were played by Dylan Rugh, who did an outstanding job providing enough differences in manners and vocal tones to emphasize the differences in each while allowing the similar personality traits intentionally put into the script by Madeline George to shine through.
Wes Anderson put on a beautiful performance as a discontent husband. Wes’s loud clear voice made for an excellent contrast to the quieter Watson, which helped to distinguish the trials faced by each character. Although there were a fewer number of rolls for Wes to play (two Merricks) in comparison to Dylan’s four Watson’s, both parts were preformed well but not with the same distinction that each of Dylan’s characters had.
Chelsea Campbell performance as the a modern day computer scientist captured more than just a lonely rather distant individual, she was also able to capture the emotions and traits portrayed by so many people today who are to enveloped in the web of technology that surrounds us all. Her opinion of love made for a rather depressing and hopeless situation that was rectified by her passion for her work.
Another critical aspect of the play that was executed to near perfection was the atmosphere created on stage for each of the four time periods through the scenery light, music, and sounds. The amount of detail and attention spent by Kia Lor and the design team on each of the four sets was simply astounding and paid off very well. Each of the four Watson’s felt perfectly in place and natural in their environment despite the rapid changes in costume and scenery.
Overall, The Curious Case of Watson Intelligence as preformed by the University of Minnesota Duluth's Dudley Experimental Theatre was a play full of emotion and unique performance techniques that is well worth seeing.
As winter started to kick off, UMD opened up, The (curious case of the) Watson Intelligence. The play took place in the Dudley Experimental Theater. The Director, Jenna Soleo-Shanks used just three actors to put this production into swing. The play jumps around in time and shows the life of Watson in three different centuries. These three actors performed throughout these different scenes.
ReplyDeleteDylan Rugh played all four Watsons. He used a different voice for each of the Watsons and made it seem interesting. He showed how he could support other people and help them out. Rugh did an outstanding job playing different identities and tying it into the same theme. His facial expressions are something needed to point out, because it helped show how deep he got into the role.
Wes Anderson played Merrick. He played to different roles in the show, essentially a crabby husband. He was the antagonist to two of the Watsons, sneaky and dark. He did an exceptional job at manipulating the other characters. His deep voice and angry attitude showed a solid change from Rugh’s kindness.
Eliza, was played by Chelsea Campbell. She was a brilliant lady who showed stress. She played three different characters and she definitely made it believable. Her best performance was when she portrayed modern Eliza. The emotions were real, as if she actually became the character.
The costumes were outstanding and very realistic for the time period. They helped suggest social status, and helped portray where the characters were coming from. This also helped tell the difference in Watson characters and helped portrayed their different but similar personalities. Brandin Stagg, costume designer, did a outstanding job of considering the short time available for costume changes.
Overall the production came together successfully. A long play can often become boring and confusing, but the entertaining cast kept everyone wanting more. The play ended with a connection to the audience and was very satisfying.
Matt Sandstrom
On November Nineteenth the Dudley Experimental theatre opened a show called The Curious Case of Watson Intelligence. This was performed by stage 2 and the University of Minnesota Duluth. The Watson Intelligence was a unique play because it had only three actors, Wes Anderson, Chelsea Campbell and Dylan Rugh, who played different versions of their characters. Dylan Rugh plays the four different versions of Watson. These versions of Watson are from a modern day where he works for a computer fixing company and also in the same time period he is the creation of Eliza. Then there is the Watson from the past who is the sidekick of Sherlock Holmes. Finally the last version of Watson is the assistant of Alexander Graham Bell. All of these versions of Watson have a special thing in common and that is that all of them want to help people. Another character is Eliza, who is played by Chelsea Campbell. There are only three versions of her in the play. The versions of her are that of a radio interviewer, a distressed housewife and a smart modern day woman. The last character was Merrick, who was played by Wes Anderson. He only had two different versions, a crazy inventor in the days of Sherlock and a politician in the modern day. His character at first had an evil essence to him but at the end of the play he began to become more understandable as a person.
ReplyDeleteThis play was very hard to follow at the beginning because they would switch time periods and then switch back and it would make no sense. The transitions were done well though. When the crew would come on and switch the furniture around they would do it quickly and once they even did a little funny move where they took the couch and spun it around a few times before setting it into place. This play did know how to keep one’s attention though. Even with all the transitions, the focus was trying to figure what all versions of each character had in common with eachother. There was obviously connections but it didn’t seek to click until the end of the play.
There weren’t many mistakes made throughout the play and the acting kept an audience’s attention. While Watson Intelligence was an intriguing play, it’d be a shame not mention the set itself. The set was very well put together and it was able to be transformed into many different scenes. They had a bed that came down from the wall and also they had wheels on the couch, which helped to move it around anywhere on stage. Also they had these arches on either side of the set and it really added to the play.
Overall this play was well done and quite intriguing.
Written by Jadey Tersini
The UMD production of The Curious Case of the Watson Intelligence shows the versatility and transitional strengths of the set, cast and crew. These strengths are key to have since the plot calls for movement between very different time periods and characters. These transitions were very smooth and well- rehearsed, almost like clockwork.
ReplyDeleteThe set was a sturdy base for these transitions. It was set up in the Dudley Theater so furniture could be moved on and off the set on either side through the doors on the adjacent walls, which was very functional. It also featured part of the back wall that folded out into a bed. The center of the backdrop was lighted and used for projections when appropriate. The set design was simple and lent itself well to the changes in the play.
One of the standout transitions of the play was Wes Anderson changing from his modern day character to his character set in the time of Sherlock Holmes, both named Merrick. The modern day Merrick was an elected city auditor while the other Merrick was a scientist. This transition took place on stage through costume and speech. Auditor Merrick was speaking about being elected to the audience and as the speech went on, costumers came onstage to hand him different articles of clothing to switch to scientist Merrick, who was making a speech presenting his latest invention. The speech was so smooth through the costume changes, it hard to recall when the speech switched.
Watson actor Dylan Ruth, as well as Chelsea Campbell who played Eliza, were also outstanding in their character transitions. With four different Watsons, one of them being a computer, Ruth was able to successfully portray each distinct Watson. In addition to transitioning between characters, these two actors showed their talent versatility by performing an interpretive dance scene in the middle of the play as well.
All actors seemed very dedicated to each character they played as well. There was no specific character that seemed to be less convincing as the others. Each character has unique personalities that the actors portrayed passionately.
Nicole Hashimoto
On Tuesday December 2, The (curious case of the) Watson Intelligence was performed in the Dudley Experimental Theatre at the University of Minnesota Duluth. The director, Jenna Soleo-Shanks, definitely was facing a challenge when choosing this play to perform. The show consisted of three actors and four different Watson’s. This play shifted through different periods in time. Although this was confusing at first, it became evident what time period they were in as the play progressed.
ReplyDeleteDylan Rugh played the main character, Watson, throughout the production. The four different Watson’s consisted of; Alexander Graham Bell’s assistant, Sherlock Holmes’ sidekick, Dweeb Team computer worker and as a super computer robot. Rugh was mostly shown playing the role of Josh Watson, the quirky computer repairman. Rugh played this role perfectly, he has a nerdy, charming personality that had the audience laughing.
Eliza, portrayed by Chelsea Cambell, had three different roles throughout the performance. There was a computer scientist, a radio interviewer and a 19th century wife of Merrick. Cambell did phenomenally well at making the characters believable by exhibiting humor, confusion and love. Her clothing is what really made it easy to tell what time period it was. The costume designer, Brandon Stagg, did a great job at providing accessories that fit the scene.
Lastly, there was the character Merrick, played by Wes Anderson. Anderson comes off as being the intense, strong intimidating ex husband and evil inventor. His impatient behavior made the audience pay attention and got them excited to see what his next move would be.
With such a difficult play choice, this play was well done and was very memorable. Even though the scene transitions could be confusing at times, the overall message was received. All of the actors executed believable characters that grabbed the audience’s attention.
UMD’s Dudley Experimental Theatre production of The (curious case of the) Watson Intelligence Play is an ambitious, intelligent effort to present a range of issues involving technology, society, politics and love. This is just a few of the questions it provokes: the play is about 130 minutes (one 15 minutes’ intermission) of fast moving, time switching scenes with really quick costume and set changes.
ReplyDeleteAs the lights go down, and the play starts, there’s a sound signal foretelling things to come – a series of telephone rings. The first ring is from an antique phone with a crank, the last one’s from a smartphone. That puckish ten-second sound statement launches a story that similarly roams through time. And in each era, we meet a character named Watson.
There’s a lot going on here. The play is treatise on the complex, symbiotic relationships between humans and increasingly technological world in which we live. It’s a curious case of love design to conquer all but in the end, unable to. Love and technology are at the center of this intense and funny play.
Director Jenna Soleo-Shanks choreography enables the three actors who play multiple versions of their characters over time to move smoothly from one persona to another. But special kudos go to Dylan Rugh, (also played Howie in Speech and Debate) who is so sweetly, smugly, smartly, and sometimes goofily all four versions of Watson.
The four characters Watson consist of: the assistant of Alexander Bell who was famously on hand for the birth of the telephone and this Watson speaks of his bond with bells in oddly manner while preparing to appear a radio show hosted by another Eliza. Sherlock Holmes' faithful compatriot Dr. Watson. The version of the IBM computer Watson, and Joshua Watson, a member of the Dweeb Squad, who fixes computers and steals Eliza's heart.
There are two Merricks played by Wes Anderson, the Frank of today, a vein-bulging narcissist running for City Auditor so he can “dismantle the government”; and his “prototype,” a 19th century inventor who is eager to build some sort of robot version of his wife.
Chelsea Campbell plays Eliza who seems confused about the value and integrity of genuine feelings. She is a computer design, a wife and a radio interviewer, she is intelligent, irritating and vibrant.
The Dudley’s black-box theatre is delightfully and cleverly set designed by Kia Lor, as one room is transferred into several different eras and setting whether is be living room, coffee shop or an office. And thanks to careful attention to costume by Brandin Stagg.
Costumes were uncomplicated yet extraordinary in their detail. The designer not only selected clothing for each character in each time period they played, but also enhanced them with little iconic pieces, a hat or shawl, something that created a unique image for that person. From 19th century woolen plaids and tweeds to a Victorian floor-length deep red silk dress to modern-day
casuals and suits and the Dweeb Team “uniform,” costumes were warm and visually satisfying.
The (curious case of the) Watson Intelligence is a piece that could have ended up confusing and eccentric. But with wonderful bearing, great production design and careful acting choices, the constant time shifts were not only easy to perceive, but provided driving force to the time themes of the author
Kassie Haedtke
ReplyDeleteThe newest production in the University of Minnesota Duluth’s Dudley experimental theatre, The (Curious Case of the) Watson Intelligence, is an elaborate and unpredictable mystery. Directed by Jenna Soleo-Shanks and played by only three cast members, it brought to life four different Watson’s and the similar relationships they share with their colleagues. These four Watson’s include Dr. John Watson from Sherlock Holmes, Thomas Watson, the assistant to Alexander Graham Bell, Josh Watson a computer repairman and Watson, a prototype A.I. computer, all of which are played by the hilarious actor Dylan Rugh. Rugh’s transition from character to character was flawless and his acting fit the personalities of each character exactly how one would imagine.
Wes Anderson played the character named Merrick, who only held two roles in the show, both as a vengeful husband. His acting was also brilliant. It was so intense that at some points in the play you could see the saliva fly out of his mouth during his angrier scenes.
Chelsea Campbell was the final actor who played three different characters in the play including a computer designer/ex-wife, a radio interviewer, and a worried wife. Her transitioning from character to character was decent as well as she transitioned from a Victorian Era wife to a modern day ex wife. Campbell conveyed a range of different emotions throughout her performance although at times it seemed as if her acting was slightly similar with each character. Overall her performance was okay.
The most confusing yet entertaining aspect of the play was the significant time leaps that occurred throughout the production. It was easy to get lost in the beginning but after a while the play makes more sense. It is beneficial to read the play description before viewing the play. Jenna Soleo-Shanks did a beautiful job at tying the four different Watson’s together and showing their individual significance. It was an entertaining, yet meaningful production pointing out the obvious imperfections we share as human beings and how we can use each other to supplement our strengths.
The (Curious Case of the) Watson Intelligence, as confusing as it was, managed to connect with the audience and remind us of the value of our differences in the relationships we hold.
UMD’s Stage 2 production of The (Curious Case of the) Watson Intelligence was a hit. Director, Jenna Soleo-Shanks, along with her team of designers and the wonderful cast of Wes Anderson (Merrick), Chelsea Campbell (Eliza), and Dylan Rugh (Watson). The beautifully told each Watson’s tale with passion and sincerity. The scenic designer, Kia Lor, did a wonderful job in making the scenery fit into each time period, but also using the projections to help depict each location.
ReplyDeleteWes Anderson’s portrayal of Merrick depict well one version of a divorced middle-aged man. He gave the audience the sense that he missed his ex-wife but did not want anyone to know. Along with his performance, Chelsea Campbell, played the genius woman who does not know what she wants in life, to a tee. During her discussions with her computer system, it was like this plays version of a soliloquy. The computer system was Eliza’s inner voice talking to her about her problems.
The man who truly rocked the show was Dylan Rugh. Playing just one role is hard enough, but when he has to play the same role or Watson, but there are three different ones, it gets a little trickier. He did a wonderful job in expressing each different Watson’s personality, especially when he had to quick change on stage.
In the top of act two, Eliza and Watson are dancing, almost naked, and it catches the audience’s attention and brings them back into a serious state of mind. Choosing the way this scene was performed really added to the emotional states of those two characters and now the audience could see the closer connection between the two.
The entire production was a success because of all the little things that each designer attributed. Whether it was the different costumes to fit the time period, the way the lights added to the emotion of certain scenes, or even the crew members spinning the couch before putting it into place (which gave everyone a good chuckle), this show was extremely fun to watch and showed that everyone needs a trusty friend to rely on just like these Watson’s.
Dudley Theater of UMD’s most recent production, The (Curious Case of the) Watson Intelligence, was executed by director Jenna Soles-Shanks due to her witty touch to the storyline and dialogue. Her talented cast consisting of only three members made the show a late night knee-slapping event. Not only was the show filled with awkward humor but the plot was a puzzling riddle which raised questions. It wasn’t a surprise when multiple audience members stayed after the show to talk about the storyline and the credibility of everything said. Overall, the whole production was brought to life by the director and cast involved. Everything was entertaining to watch despite the length of the show which was two-and-a-half hours. It was hard to look away from the act because as each second passed something important or hilarious occurred.
ReplyDeleteThe lead role of all four Watsons was played by the actor Dylan Rugh who surprisingly did a convincing job as four completely different characters. At first, it seemed as if he wouldn’t be fit for the roles considering his memorable face and voice. However, each part was performed eloquently as Rugh rehearsed his lines nearly flawless. His awkward and witty tone added a comfortable atmosphere throughout the theater. The most convincing role Rugh played was a computer assistant named Josh Watson. This character brought out laughter into the act with his impulsive bursts and awkward social experiences.
Although it is hard to know what the underlying message was behind the play, it is notable that it raised questions in the audience. Soles accomplished this making her version of The (Curious Case of the) Watson Intelligence worth seeing. The production left audience members feeling a sense of wonder, or in other words curious. When a show provokes multiple audience members to stay after it should almost be required to see it. The show is a must see.
The thought provoking performance displayed wouldn’t have been as ominous if it weren’t for the lighting during the show. Throughout the production, a dark and foggy atmosphere clouded the stage with blue lights. The blue light gave off an extremely curious vibe to the scene. In the middle of the back of the stage there was a projected light which would change depending on the time period. This was an essential part to the show as it helped create a visual for the set. Soles should be given credit for the way she incorporated modern technology into her art. Without the projector it would have been difficult to follow the storyline and differentiating which time period it was.
Everything went hand-in-hand when this art was created. The stellar and memorable cast, ominous lighting, and director Sole’s touch to the story made the show nothing short of spectacular. Everything required for a great show was involved for the story of The (Curious Case of the) Watson Intelligence. A better mixture couldn’t be produced. The show was comical and thought provoking, two effects that are hard to incorporate but due to the ideal cast, it was accomplished.
Shea Miller
The (curious case of the) Watson Intelligence, produced by the University of Minnesota Duluth and directed by Jenna Soleo Shanks was a delightful play that will keep audiences of many demographics entertained with a mentally stimulating plot and many periods of comic relief. The play features four versions of Watson: Watson the Super-Computer, Joshua Watson the computer dweeb, Dr. John H. Watson, the sidekick to Sherlock Holmes, and finally Alexander Graham Bell’s assistant, Thomas Augustus Watson. Despite the different social statuses, time periods and even life forms of the four Watsons, the play revealed many parallels between the four Watsons and the people surrounding him.
ReplyDeleteThe actors were really able to show their skill level in this play, as there were only three actors who played a few different characters each. Each actor had many lines to recite and all three did so almost flawlessly. As the actors transitioned from one character to another character the actors did an incredible job of maintaining enough of a similarity on their personality to make the audience see the relationship between the characters while changing enough to make it evident to the audience that they were a different person from a different time period. The actors seemed unbelievably comfortable in this type of a role, and that really helped to quickly draw the audience into each scene.
With only three actors portraying many different characters and jumping through time, accurate costume and set design was necessary to help the audience keep pace with the play. This is something that was executed especially well. After a short break between scenes the actors would appear in a different costume on a stage that had been transformed, and that audience instantly knew that they were now in a different era with a different version of Watson.
The playwright did something especially clever creating an underlying conflict between Eliza, the creator of Watson, the super computer and her ex-husband Merrick, the man running for political office. Eliza had created Watson with the idea that his purpose would be to help people navigate the governmental systems required to receive welfare. This leads the audience to assume she has left wing political views. Meanwhile Merrick explains to Watson of the dweeb team, “Fire. Police. Ambulance. Snow removal. Trash and leaf pickup. The End. Everything else is non of their goddamn business.” This does not sound like a man that would support his wife’s project, or a wife that would support his run for office.
While The (curious case of the) Watson Intelligence was comical, thought provoking, and entertaining, the message of the production was missed. The play ends with a message of how we as people are all connected and dependent on each other which is why the telephone was so successful. If something similar would have been more evident early on in the play the audience would have been able to pick up on things throughout the play and relate them to the directive of the play.
On Friday December 4, the “(Curious Case of the) Watson Intelligence” was perform at the University of Minnesota Duluth theater. The unique production was directed by Jenna Soleo-Shanks, and what makes this play so unique is that there was only three actors throughout the whole play. This production is a clever time-jumping comedy about Sherlock Holmes’s sidekick Thomas Watson. The play will catch your attention since the story features four Watsons. It is confusing at the beginning of the story because I couldn’t tell which Watson was current to each of the scene, but then again it makes you more focus to help understand the story.
ReplyDeleteBefore I talk about the actors, I would like to say that the costume design was a big role to make the play be a success. The costume designer Brandin Stagg did an amazing job with the costumes because the play had several different time periods that were being jumped, and he was able to make each costume different to each other but also was able to make it very similar to what the scene was set. Not only that, but he also had to make the costume quick and easy to change since there was only three actors and the actors had little to no time to change.
Dylan Rugh played all the four different Watsons during the production. The four Watsons consisted of a computer repairman, the right hand man of Sherlock Holmes, the assistant of Alexander Graham Bell, and a robot created by the character Eliza. Dylan did a great job playing Watson since he was able to act differently to each of the Watson he played and yet he made it so you could see the common thread in each of them. They all were humorous sidekicks to amazingly successful people. Rugh did an excellent job taking these characters and giving them their odd, yet charming personality.
Wes Anderson performance of Merrick was enjoyable. When he was first introduced he seemed very impatient and on edge. The emotions he portrayed seemed believable and realistic to the story because of how his wife and him split off, and yet he was still wondering about her. Later on of the production, Wes was spot with his personality and showing his jealous emotions towards the audience.
Unlike Dylan and Wes, Chelsea didn’t perform as well as the other two. When she portrayed Victorian Eliza I felt like her emotion was forced and rehearsed. I felt like she was trying too hard and focusing on her accent more than her acting. But later on she gave a strong performance on her characters but showing her emotions of frustration and sassy.
I would say that the story was confusing and complex. But because of the director, costume designer, set designer, and the actors they were able to make it easy to understand and make the play enjoyable to watch. “The (curious case of the) Watson Intelligence” was a play that always caught your attention, even till the end of the play.
Calvin Dao