The Hidden Treasures of Hale - The Magician's Elephant Edition

I’m sure we’ve all been in a place before where we see a live magic trick or an impressive movie stunt and we think to ourselves: “Wow! How in the world did they pull that off?” Well, whenever I burden the chair cushions of Hale Center Theater with my presence, there is never a time where that is not my exact response. As a kid, I remember watching my first show at Hale Center Theater—A Christmas Carol—and clutching my arm rest as the fictional character, Jacob Marley, was flung from unseen foggy depths to center stage, chains jerking in the eerie green light. In an instant, I felt like I was Ebenezer Scrooge himself. In an instant, I fell in love with the magic of Hale, even the hidden treasures my eyes were too shocked to behold. 

Flash forward to today and Hale Center Theater is quickly becoming one of the most successful theatrical establishments in Western America. I recently had the privilege of watching the U.S.A. premier production titled: The Magician’s Elephant at Hale Center Theater as an honored guest. In doing so, I learned many interesting facts about the show itself and methods to their “madness” that I thought many others would also find interesting. So, using The Magician’s Elephant as yet another extraordinary example of what Hale can do, I would like to give you two things in this review: a greater love for the creativity and attention to detail Hale Center Theater has for each of its shows, and special insight on a few things that you, as a viewer, wouldn’t know just at a glance.

Though The Magician’s Elephant is only one of hundreds of productions put on by Hale, I figured I could use the vital elements I observed from the production to show you the general treasures of Hale as a whole; such as: set design, behind the scenes, the team (actors, stagehands, directors), rich symbolism, etc., that all make up the magic we call: Hale Center Theater. 

In a lucky manner of events, I happened to have a friend in this particular show as an actor. Her name is Brittany James and she has acted for countless years now, including key roles at Desert Star and now at HCT. Her extreme talent and excitement to be in The Magician's Elephant created a perfect opportunity for me to interview her on behalf of this article. Both her insights, and my personal viewing experience will make up the content of this review.

Set Design

As I watched The Magician’s Elephant, (and really all shows that I’ve seen at Hale Center Theater) I especially noted the set design. I was in awe of the genius and creativity. For example: The main character of the play, Peter Augustus Duchene, lives in an old, run-down house with his destitute god-father. This house, as built by stage technicians at Hale, was simply a staircase leading to a 4ft by 4t platform with a carpet, chair, and table on it. As the actors treated it as their home, utilizing every inch of it in performance, it was hard for me not to see it as they saw it. In fact, every time that it was wheeled in, two actors sat at the foot of the stairs and took on the role of homeless people sitting outside, begging as other characters entered and exited it. This peculiar effect gave the “home” a dismal personality. I never thought actors could be used as set design, how interesting!

Additionally, from my middle-school days of working as a light-design tech on plays and musicals, I noticed something cool about the design of the stage and walls surrounding the audience’s seats. In set and light design, there is a theatrical device called a “Cyc,” which is intended to catch colorful lights as a backdrop and in turn, create tone and mood. A Cyc, is almost always entirely white or entirely black so that all light can be seen and distributed. It so happens that Hale, in their creativity, designed both the stage, and the walls surrounding the audience, to act as an entirely black Cyc, catching not only lights on their surfaces, but pictures and projections when necessary. You may not even pay that much attention to your surroundings when watching a play, but undoubtedly those surroundings enhance your experience.

Upon interviewing Brittany, she had a lot to say about the set at Hale Center Theater. She said: “The function of the set—on its own—is so impressive. Things can be stored and lowered down from the ceiling, things can be stored and come up from the hole in the floor, things can fly, the stage can move in a circle and make levels, and [the cherry on top] Hale can make weather happen on stage!” As she expressed all the different ways the set can function, I remembered my childhood of watching 4D shows at Disneyland and I couldn’t help but draw a comparison to Hale. Brittany’s right, it’s so impressive, but it’s also so expressive. In my opinion, the stage of Hale Center Theater and the sets that accompany it, are just other characters of the show.

Behind The Scenes

As we talked about some things that happen behind the scenes at Hale Center Theater, Brittany first pointed out that the Sandy Theater location just received a world-class update to their sound system. This minor detail was impressive to me because it shows determination and precision from Hale. They are always seeking to improve their facilities on behalf of their audience members and I bet you didn’t even know it!

It doesn’t surprise me that Hale fights ‘tooth and nail’ for perfection and precaution. If you have ever watched a performance there, you will know that it pays off. In fact, speaking of precaution, Brittany explained to me that in The Magician’s Elephant, there is a life-size puppet resembling an Elephant, where each of the three portions is manned by a puppeteer. The head is controlled by the front actor who is in charge of motion in the trunk and even the blinking of the eyes (to give the audience a sense that the Elephant is alive). The torso is also controlled by an actor to ensure that the overall structure of the puppet is flexible, yet sturdy. And of course, the back of the elephant serves a similar purpose with a similar puppeteer. When describing this to me, Brittany further explained that for precaution, a fourth puppeteer stands just off stage whenever the elephant makes an appearance, ensuring that the elephant remains the focal point of attention—no matter the situation. This makes you wonder how often a backup actor is ready to take the reins at any Hale performance, and between you and me, I bet it’s more often than you think. 

Detail has always been something the production teams at Hale Center take seriously. Indeed, because The Magician’s Elephant is based on a book, the script follows it to the letter in some points. On this topic, Brittany says, “For example, the dialogue between The Magician and Madam LaVaughn (a character impacted negatively by the arrival of the elephant), might sound repetitive to the external ear, but it’s important to know that it is completely accurate to the book’s dialogue.” Hale, knowing that detail and precision is non-negotiable, made sure to direct the actors in a way that made no exception. 

The point is, whether it be this show, or another one you watch at Hale Center Theater in the future, doing your research will give you some bonus insight; watching it will give you more, but using your imagination—alongside some of the examples I just gave you—will give you most. But behind-the-scenes occurrences are not the only treasures Hale has to offer…

The Team

Above all the questions asked of Brittany, perhaps those pertaining to the team (who made the show possible), were the ones she responded to the most enthusiastically. I asked Brittany what it’s like to be an actor at Hale Center Theater and she had only good things to say. She elaborated on being treated well by the staff and stage managers, informing me that she [and the other actors] even have access to a “communal food pantry” during rehearsals and performances to ensure energy levels and satisfaction… And what actor doesn’t fantasize about a well-stocked “green room?” 

Brittany also told me that her relationship to the actors was more than just colleague-to-colleague, it was personal and intimate. She even told me she “bought a fake campfire to sit around with the other actors and tell scary stories for fun.” Which is essential when it comes to actor welfare in theater. Knowing this, I gained an even greater respect for Hale because it’s evident that they treat their teams as friends, rather than employees. 

In yet another example of the cohesive team, Brittany highlighted her director, Dave Tinney, for The Magician's Elephant, describing that, “He does an amazing job at being so knowledgeable about what he’s doing. He is always willing to try new things and honor the value of the input of the actors and the rest of the team.” As an outsider, looking in on Hale’s function, I rest assured that the actors I watch are treated as equals and even give input on how the show can be performed; almost like a food critic knowing that what they are about to eat meets their chosen criteria.

Additionally, having acted with Brittany and one of the other performers (who was an elephant puppeteer) by the name of Ben Tate, in high school, I start to think about Hale’s attention to actor choice and casting. I know, first hand, that these actors and actresses are cream of the crop, and as you may know, that is only one portion of HCT’s high bar.

In fact, as Brittany and I talked about her role in this assembled team, she said something that entirely changed my outlook on theater. She said: “What’s great about being an actor/actress is that you’re just one part of the piece. A lot of the time, an actor/actress assumes that they are the most important part because they’re the part that’s being seen, but that’s really not the case. It’s like a big puzzle where everyone does their job, and you do yours [as an actor/actress].” She then said, about her personal team for The Magician’s Elephant, “I love to watch everybody, who are brilliant with their work and in their own elements (which are vastly different), come together. It’s so dynamic.” Brittany says it all. Listening to her describe the way Hale operates, I picture something like a NASA launch, where every engineer and communications operator has a different task that needs to be performed with perfection and flawlessness in order for the rocket to leave Earth successfully. I feel like that dynamic is easily detectable just by watching a show at Hale Center Theater, but now that an actress, herself, has testified, it’s pretty hard to think otherwise.

(Brittany James on far left)

Symbolism

I mentioned some symbolism in the set design, but Hale shows are always rich with symbolic messages and intentionality. Of course, Brittany and I lingered on this subject for as long as we could as she picked out bits and pieces of The Magician’s Elephant that serve as thought-provoking symbolism. One of which was the costumes that the actors wore throughout the show. Now, for your information, this show takes place in a town called “Baltese,” where ordinary people are trying their best to survive poverty caused by war. Their hopes and dreams of improving their life situations are heightened when a magician accidentally summons a real life elephant, which the townspeople believe to be a sign of hope and protection. Now, with that understanding, you will find Brittany’s comment just as fascinating as I did: “A cool costuming detail in the show that I find interesting is that as the town of Baltese gets more excited about the elephant, you start to see the colors that they wear brighten.” In that same vein, Brittany adds, “The costume designer fashioned those colorful coats, to contain the same fabric that the elephant is made up of; as if to show the audience that the town is embracing the elephant.” How cool is that? It’s things like this that leave me shaking my head wondering: “How many things like that have I missed before in other plays?”

Another example was one that I caught onto as I watched the show. As I have mentioned already, the show revolves around an Elephant, which in this form of theatrics, is portrayed by a three-manned puppet, which thoroughly impressed me for the entirety of the show. Knowing this makes what I’m about to tell you all the more intriguing. At one point during the show’s climax, the Elephant has had enough from being captured and relocated continually. Luckily, our protagonist, Peter, finds her before it’s too late, but she is shackled, chained, and heartbroken. “How do you know she is heartbroken?” –one might ask. Because her heart literally shows us! Through the transparency of the fabric (acting as the elephant’s body), the heart produces a glowing effect. In this instance, it flickers and fades in intensity, showing the audience that she is weak in heart and longing to be released.

These are only two examples in a vast collection of ideas. Symbolism is one of life’s greatest tools, and I’m not afraid to say that Hale Center Theater has an amazing grasp on how to portray it effectively. 

The Magic of Hale 

Whether it be the cohesive team, the hours spent behind the scenes, the brilliant set design and stage involvement, the rich symbolism, or just the all-out talent behind every act, Hale Center Theater is always accompanied by an indescribable atmosphere of magic—even without Baltese magicians! If you’ve been to a show, you know what I’m talking about. Feeling something special is inevitable at Hale. Brittany even says: “It doesn’t matter what you watch at Hale Center Theater. It really doesn’t. There will always be some element of new life in every show.” I couldn’t agree more.

Brittany elaborates by adding something extremely profound: “I would say that my favorite thing about Hale Center Theater is that it provides an immersive experience. Because, not only are they able to make so many amazing things happen on their stage, but in the ‘Round’ (the entirely circular theater), you are able to fully surround the story—and in turn, every audience member gets a different experience.” Think about that for a moment. She’s right, even if it’s just the angle at which you see the set and characters.

Before I went to see the play myself, Brittany mentioned how it’s important to know that the show was intended for child audiences. This inspired a conversation that I wish I could convey to you exactly; in summary, it went like this: If you are an adult watching a play at Hale, it does not matter what age group it is targeting, you will still find entertainment and joy in what you see. Besides, it’s a proven fact that most humans learn more from parables than from lectures. That’s what a play is, a parable! Brittany said: “This may sound basic, but the fact that [Hale] provides storytelling in a community is so important because everybody benefits in learning from someone else’s stories—even if it’s make believe. Being able to empathize with another character expands our heart when it comes to humanity.” And I would even add, everyone benefits from all the elements of a story, even if it’s just the way the lights make them feel joyful or how a comment makes them question a personal attribute in themselves. In fact, as I watched The Magician’s Elephant, I had one of those moments! There was a particular scene that ended with a blackout and the puppeteers in the elephant needed to maneuver it off stage. In order to direct the actors in the elephant to the right place, a stage tech produced a faint red light for them to follow. Even something as simple as this had me questioning: “What is the light in my life?” and “Do I follow it as often as I should?” And then I realized that Brittany was right: every audience member has a different experience. Even me! That’s just a part of the magic of Hale.

I cannot even begin to express my love for this production company and all the effort they go through in making the theatrical experience unlike any other. You see, what inspired me to study all the ins and outs of Hale Center Theater was the hidden treasures within. And you better believe I found it. Yes, Hale brings magic to life.

Besides, “If there’s no such thing as real magic, why do we hurt with goodbye?” 

–Peter Augustus Duchene

The Magician’s Elephant

- Cale K Montoya