Mercury at Mercury

I have some affiliation with Mercury Players, a local theatre troupe here in Madison that makes a habit of breaking out of the usual community theatre confines (case in point: their current run of "Reefer Madness: The Musical").

Next door to the Bartell Theatre, where MPT makes its performance home, is the Mercury Lounge. There's no official relation between the two, just a happy coincidence that's turned into quite the symbiotic relationship. The Mercury Lounge is where all of the actors and tech folk from the shows next door come to kick off their shoes, as it were, before and after rehearsals and shows. In turn, the Mercury Lounge has allowed MPT to host "Tuesdays at the Mercury," a monthly night of very short, locally written plays and the occasional concert or party.

It' a great, free way to spend time with friends and friendly strangers while being entertained and staying close to drinks and food (the Mercury boasts some really tasty Greek dishes, including my favorite, baklava). Last night the tradition continued with four very short scenes and general merrymaking, with a plug for next month's Halloween-themed event. Add it to my list of Halloween related activities for the month, including dane101's Hallow-Rockin'-Ween bash at the High Noon Saloon.

(poster credit: Daniella Maria)