NewsPHOTO EXCLUSIVE: "The Return of Twan Baker!" Behind the Scenes at Weston Playhouse's Pregnancy PactThis spring the world was introduced to Into the Woods veteran "Twan Baker". Wanting to try his hand at some new material, Baker is now in Weston, VT, starring in the world-premiere musical Pregnancy Pact. Castmates Krystina Alabado and Dana Steingold offer a look behind the scenes with Twan and company at the scenic Weston Playhouse.
By
Matthew Blank
September 04, 2012
"He's back!" writes Steingold, who is appearing in her fourth production with the tiny dynamo. "The indomitable Twan Baker has had quite the theatrical season. After glowing reviews in a co-production of Into the Woods at Baltimore Center Stage and Westport Country Playhouse, he touched many a theatergoer's heart in PCLO's Fiddler on the Roof."
"Though exhausted from these heavy period pieces, he is thrilled to be cast against type in his first contemporary. Join him as summer comes to a close in beautiful Weston, Vermont, and experience firsthand the triumphs and challenges that come with originating a role in a brand new American musical."
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PHOTO EXCLUSIVE: "The Return of Twan Baker!" Behind the Scenes at Weston Playhouse's Pregnancy Pact
PHOTO EXCLUSIVE: "The Return of Twan Baker!" Behind the Scenes at Weston Playhouse's Pregnancy Pact
This spring the world was introduced to Into the Woods veteran "Twan Baker". Wanting to try his hand at some new material, Baker is now in Weston, VT, starring in the world-premiere musical Pregnancy Pact. Castmates Krystina Alabado and Dana Steingold offer a look behind the scenes with Twan and company at the scenic Weston Playhouse. Read the Playbill.com story.
30 PHOTOS
Welcome to the magestic Weston, Vermont!
Krystina Alabado and Dana Steingold
Twan travels in great style; by UPS. Turns out, it is also the cheapest mode of transportation.
Krystina Alabado and Dana Steingold
Moved in to our new house! Since Jed is the only other male cast member, the two of them get to share a room with TWIN BEDS!!! Sleepover...Twan's favorite.
Krystina Alabado and Dana Steingold
One of the perks of working at Weston is that the original Vermont Country Store is right across the street. You can sample endless cheese, meats, fudge and dips. Twan knows a free meal when he sees one.
Krystina Alabado and Dana Steingold
Since arriving in Weston, Twan has become extremely interested in artisanal cheese. Here he is getting a lesson from the Country Store's own cheese maven, Kathy.
Krystina Alabado and Dana Steingold
Weston is devoid of cell service except at the "magical bridge." Twan makes a daily trip there to check in with his agents.
Krystina Alabado and Dana Steingold
Twan is such a big fan of the Country Store that when he saw the owners he insisted we take a photo with them.
Krystina Alabado and Dana Steingold
Before heading to the theater, Twan has a costume fitting with our designer, Jen Caprio, for his contemporary swaddle. He has been dieting for days.
Krystina Alabado and Dana Steingold
Before Twan arrived we had stand-in babies. Unfortunately, Twan has had some of the best training in the business and they couldn't keep up. #LizCaplanVocalStudios
Krystina Alabado and Dana Steingold
Sitzprobe! Ever the professional, Twan knows it is important to come with your score in case you have to jump around in the song.
Krystina Alabado and Dana Steingold
Before tech, it is important to remember to relax. Here is Twan enjoying one of his favorite pastimes at the Country Store.
Krystina Alabado and Dana Steingold
Twan is also a master checkers player and manages to squeeze in a daily game with roomie, Jed Resnick.
Krystina Alabado and Dana Steingold
Tech can be a long process, especially when your big feature isn't until the 2nd act. Twan is currently passing time by reading "Game of Thrones."
Krystina Alabado and Dana Steingold
This is Twan and Dana's fourth production together. Here they are gossiping on their Equity 10.
Krystina Alabado and Dana Steingold
A good actor always knows that bonding with the crew is of utmost importance. Twan gets right to work.
Krystina Alabado and Dana Steingold
Twan did such an incredible job befriending the crew, they got him this one of kind Equity Bassinet for his ever important nap time.
Krystina Alabado and Dana Steingold
After his first run, Twan is showered with attention by the girls after a truly amazing performance.
Krystina Alabado and Dana Steingold
Our fearless leader, Joe Calarco, is not afraid to be honest...even with a star like Twan. He gets notes just like the rest of us. If he disagrees with a note...
Krystina Alabado and Dana Steingold
He goes straight to the top. Twan is offering writers Julia Meinwald and Gordon Leary some advice on how to better flesh out his role.
Krystina Alabado and Dana Steingold
10 out of 12s make even the best prop baby tired. The nearest Starbucks is three hours away so Twan keeps caffeinated with Country Store's own Dark Roast. Black.
Krystina Alabado and Dana Steingold
Krystina helps Twan with his makeup for first preview!! Even youthful complexions need some color on stage.
Krystina Alabado and Dana Steingold
Caitlin helps the swaddled Twan apply mascara.
Krystina Alabado and Dana Steingold
Lauren invites Twan to join her in a calming pre show meditation offering for first night jitters.
Krystina Alabado and Dana Steingold
Katrina helps Twan get into microphone.
Krystina Alabado and Dana Steingold
Pregnancy Pact is full of females and their hormones. Sometimes, a man just needs a break. Here is Twan doing some male bonding over ESPN with the musicians at intermission.
Krystina Alabado and Dana Steingold
Margo knows first hand what they say is true; you should never share the stage with children or animals.
Krystina Alabado and Dana Steingold
Twan's big moment. He would never say it, but he is really nervous to be creating the pivotal role of Brynn's pre-mature baby. It took a lot of physical exploration, backstory and viewpoints.
Krystina Alabado and Dana Steingold
Success! Twan finally gets a breather and knocks one back for opening.
Krystina Alabado and Dana Steingold
Family photo at the opening night party. This one is for Twan's scrapbook.
Krystina Alabado and Dana Steingold
Come check out the show and have some cheese with Twan in Weston until September 8th! In the meantime, follow Twan on twitter @twan_baker #GetTwanToBroadway2012
The Weston Playhouse's world premiere of the new musical Pregnancy Pact, inspired by the real-life story of a group of teenage girls who decided to become single mothers together, began performances Aug. 30.
Directed by Joe Calarco, who also provides musical staging, performances continue through Sept. 8 at the Vermont venue.
Pregnancy Pact features book and lyrics by Gordon Leary and music by Julia Meinwald. The cast comprises Krystina Alabado as Sansanee, Katrina Rose Dideriksen as Kaylee, Caitlin Kinnunen as Maddie, Lauren Marcus as Jenn, Margo Seibert as Brynn, Dana Steingold as Jeanelle and Jed Resnick as Cory/Justin/Boy.
The artists are backed by Anthony Rubbo on guitar, Lorenzo Wolff on bass, Sean Hagerty on violin, Ro Rowan on cello and Jeremy Yaddaw on drums.
The musical is described as such: "An entertaining and hard-hitting pop-rock musical about the realities of love, responsibility, and growing up in America, Pregnancy Pact tells the complex story of these young girls with a fresh voice that is at once realistic and captivating."
Other members of the creative team include Rich Silverstein (music director), Julia Meinwald (orchestrations), Andrew Cooper (assistant music director/copyist), Tim Mackabee (scenic design), Joel Shier (lighting design), Jen Caprio (costume design), Ed Chapman (sound design), Jessica L. Johnston (production stage manager) and Molly Shoemaker (production assistant).
From the mainstage at Playbill's Pride Festival in Times Square to their own onstage parade, the Tony-winning musical's all-queer stage management team came out from behind-the-scenes.
