Paint, Build, Sing, Go!

Hello people!

We are getting so close to opening - about 8 days away. We have accomplished so much in the last few days. We have been doing run thrus every night for rehearsal and they get better each time we go through the play. Last night after we finished Melissa was giving the cast notes and she said that she thought we were in a very good place. "We have three more nights to do run thrus before it all falls apart on us when we actually get into the theatre." Hah. Very well put Melissa. Yes, actually getting into the space where the "real" performances happen can sometimes create a lot of confusion and mistakes. Many times when a cast gets their first opportunity to get into the theatre people are trying to figure out where their entrances and exits are and how long it takes them to get from one place to another. Also, it takes some time to get used to how much bigger the stage and auditorium is compared with place where we rehearsed. Since we are performing in the Duke Family Performance Hall the space will be HUGE compared to the Depot where we have been rehearsing. Then you add in the set and the costumes and the lights and orchestra and suddenly you have four or five more elements to deal with. Many times all these elements can make things a bit more complicated for the actors. Depending on the type of show, this transition from rehearsal space to the theatre can be easier than others. For a musical the transition is usually more complicated. However, I am fully confident that by the time we open the show we will all know exactly what we are doing and be raring to go.

On Saturday June 7th we had a painting call for the set pieces. I went along with many of the other cast members, including, Kathryn, Amanda, Aby, and our lovely assistant stage manager Chrissy. We actually had a good time painting. When you have good company time can go by quickly. We got all the set pieces painted and speckled to be a part of the house. It was too bad that it was so hot, we all definitely needed a shower by the time we were done. :) Really, we should all be used to the heat considering the air conditioning broke in our rehearsal space. I'm sure that room smells really great by the time we're done with rehearsal at 10pm. I always feel bad for Amanda Roberge, who plays Amy, because since she falls into an icy lake in the play we have to wrap her in blankets to "warm" her up during the show. I'm sure she is already warm enough.

Tonight, we have another run thru of the show and I'm sure it will get a little bit better each night. If anyone is interested in helping us put together our set we need as many hands as possible, it would be great if anyone could offer some time. Just call the DCP office for more information and times, ect. Hopefully tonight everyone will have their "tap step" down. Last night we all learned a little tap step for the bows of the show and we practiced it a million times but it is hard to get it perfectly in time with the music. We'll see how we all do tonight!

Until next time!

Suzanne

PS - The picture is of Amanda and Christian hanging out during a break in rehearsal.