George Contini
  • About George Contini
    • CV, Resume, Headshots
    • Bio
    • Philosophy and Aesthetic
  • Research
    • The Crinoline Girl-Continuing the Journey
    • Put it In the Scrapbook Research and Process
    • Scrapbook Synopsis, Videos, Selected Scenes
    • Put It in the Scrapbook Script
    • Critical Response to Put It in the Scrapbook
    • Scrapbook -Research Bibliography, Other Supporting Documentation
    • Always Knew LGBTQ Oral History Project >
      • Always Knew Article
    • Publications >
      • Theatre Journal Review
      • Chapter in "Acting Lessons for the CG Animator" on Michael Chekhov
  • Creative Activities (Professional)
    • The Explorers Club
    • Don't Dress for Dinner
    • Hidden Man
    • Assistance
    • The 39 Steps (Stage Door Players)
    • Dad's Garage Solo Performance Guest Artist
    • Theatre Emory Brave New Works Festival
    • Quick Overview of What Critics Have Said.....
  • Photo Gallery
  • Creative Activities (Academic)
    • Happy Days
    • Niagra Falls
    • Young Frankenstein
    • Detroit
    • The Skin of Our Teeth
    • The Misadventures of Uncle McBuck
    • Sweeney Todd
    • A Lesson Before Dying
    • Pride and Prejudice
    • The 39 Steps (UGA)
    • 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
    • The Grapes of Wrath
    • Dangerous Liaisons
    • Trojan Women
  • Teaching
    • Pandemic Pedagogy
    • I love Rehearsal
    • Meigs Distinguished Teaching Professorship
    • Study Abroad in London
  • Service
    • Podcast-ICE-Arts Assessment
    • Letters of Support from Students and Colleagues
  • Contact Me
  • Privacy Policies
Picture

NIAGARA FALLS BY STEVEN YOCKEY
UGA THEATRE OCTOBER 2019
​AURORA THEATRE NOVEMBER 2019
 

That moment when you make any sort of commitment---whether it be to a job, a person, a value system—brings with it all the joy and passion... but naturally also brings doubt and fear.   Questions flit through our minds---“Am I making the right choice?”  “Are they the ONE?” “Is there an escape clause?” “OMG who IS this person?” “Are there really no do-overs?”

Recent studies in neuroscience and business management have shown that people who take the time to explore alternative choices to the ones that are put on the table are more apt to make choices that result in success.   So when you’re considering which road to take, it’s always better to consider as many options as possible and imagine the possible results of each path.
​

Steve Yockey’s characters allow us to recognize our own relationships and neuroses while they frantically search for  a meaningful way to approach making life’s choices.  His play suggests there is often a fine and deceptive line between reality and our earnestly romanticized version of it.   Memory and Energy seem to defy Time and, as a result, his characters are in a constant state of joyous flux, and ultimately, discovery.
 
Every day.  So many choices. So much fun! So much dread.  Ultimately, this show celebrates the joy of choices and following the paths where they lead you.   In today’s unsteady and fractured world, sometimes we need to feel that the choices we make will have meaning and resonance. We want that ripple-in-the-water-butterfly-effect-thing to help calm our chaotic minds.  But first…sigh…. we have to make the choice to jump in the water and make those ripples.
 
Welcome to Niagara Falls.  You willing to take the plunge?