Tuesday, July 11, 2006
Seeing Double Again: Rehearsal Number Twenty
It's 3:15am and I've just finished typing up the notes from the first of our two runs tonight! I'm sure you'll forgive me if I keep this entry comparatively short... (Thank goodness Gina was willing to type up the notes from the second run.)
Though we didn't quite manage an on-time start, we are moving in the right direction. Many people are wearing multiple hats, so the beginning of these runs is a little jumbled as multiple agendas need to be met - teaching the slide show, preparing the mics, sound-check, discussing lights, working show dynamics... Gina and I have talked about some strategies to alleviate this as much as possible. We have several company members rushing from other gigs to our rehearsals, so it's difficult to control some of this - for example, while I will actually have everyone at rehearsal tomorrow for the first time since week one, we won't all be in the space until around 9:00! A little frustrating, but it's beyond my control.
Two runs later, however, we're clearly making some strong leaps. The first run was Chase, Ron, Kate and Mark. (That's Darren, Ron, Kate and Mark in the photo from an earlier rehearsal - but I thought that was close enough!) There were lots of great characters, and while several of the stories in the first act tended to circle around the same issues of money and power, the cast still managed to mine some interesting dynamics. We conducted a true company vote for the star (sometimes I manipulate this during rehearsals to make sure that everyone is getting a chance to experience it - but don't worry, in the public performances this is really up to you!) Kate was just a little surprised to be selected after playing the role last night. Her storyline, however, had the most interesting relationships, and Ron, Chase and Mark all provided her with really playful and dynamic supporting roles as her well-to-do family members and employees. Kate did a great job of maintaining and building on a strong point of view - something we've struggled a little with in the past. We still had some "I don't know" numbers creeping in, and some vague locales/staging choices, but there was a physical attack and some great dance numbers (including a spoon solo between Chase and Ron!). Chase also gave a great solo as her son in a full-body cast, while Ron's antagonist song was similarly strong, and Mark's house maid provided countless moments of laughter. (I'd quote his yo-yo metaphor here but it was just too complex to write down fully.)
Run two consisted of Charles (playing with us for the first time in over a week), Darren, Robyn and myself. Again, I thought there were some interesting story angles with a rich investor trying to hit the big time, an up-and-coming student coming to terms with his mentor's secrets, an overwhelmed dorm roommate claiming her own space, and a caring uncle in search of meaning through his recently divorced sister. Charles did quite well indeed getting back into the groove (and I so enjoy having his energy back in the rehearsal hall and on the stage.) Robyn emerged as our star choice for the second act, which pitted me against her as her sloppy and vengeful roommate with an oddly ever-changing dialect (oh dear!) I enjoyed this run as a participant, and there were many strong choices. We also used the space more imaginatively which, in turn, gave Matt on lights an opportunity to explore new dynamics. I really loved my final confrontation with Robyn's character and her brilliant sudden change of heart at the last second.
We managed to finish up the second run just after 11:00, and we struck and I mopped the sweat from my brow (Chase noted that he's never seen me so sweaty after a show - for those of you who have seen me perform, that says a LOT!). Most got out of there by 11:30, although Gina and I stayed until 12:30ish discussing some new strategies and the like.
I'm tired, but I must say that the joy is really coming back to me. It's an odd journey as a director to return to a previous project, but I can really see the fruits of our labor now and the changes I've made in the format really seem to be helping us take this to the next level. I'm excited for returning audience members (and newcomers) to experience this new improved version of the show...
I need sleep.
Your up-all-night-again Director, David C.
It's 3:15am and I've just finished typing up the notes from the first of our two runs tonight! I'm sure you'll forgive me if I keep this entry comparatively short... (Thank goodness Gina was willing to type up the notes from the second run.)
Though we didn't quite manage an on-time start, we are moving in the right direction. Many people are wearing multiple hats, so the beginning of these runs is a little jumbled as multiple agendas need to be met - teaching the slide show, preparing the mics, sound-check, discussing lights, working show dynamics... Gina and I have talked about some strategies to alleviate this as much as possible. We have several company members rushing from other gigs to our rehearsals, so it's difficult to control some of this - for example, while I will actually have everyone at rehearsal tomorrow for the first time since week one, we won't all be in the space until around 9:00! A little frustrating, but it's beyond my control.
Two runs later, however, we're clearly making some strong leaps. The first run was Chase, Ron, Kate and Mark. (That's Darren, Ron, Kate and Mark in the photo from an earlier rehearsal - but I thought that was close enough!) There were lots of great characters, and while several of the stories in the first act tended to circle around the same issues of money and power, the cast still managed to mine some interesting dynamics. We conducted a true company vote for the star (sometimes I manipulate this during rehearsals to make sure that everyone is getting a chance to experience it - but don't worry, in the public performances this is really up to you!) Kate was just a little surprised to be selected after playing the role last night. Her storyline, however, had the most interesting relationships, and Ron, Chase and Mark all provided her with really playful and dynamic supporting roles as her well-to-do family members and employees. Kate did a great job of maintaining and building on a strong point of view - something we've struggled a little with in the past. We still had some "I don't know" numbers creeping in, and some vague locales/staging choices, but there was a physical attack and some great dance numbers (including a spoon solo between Chase and Ron!). Chase also gave a great solo as her son in a full-body cast, while Ron's antagonist song was similarly strong, and Mark's house maid provided countless moments of laughter. (I'd quote his yo-yo metaphor here but it was just too complex to write down fully.)Run two consisted of Charles (playing with us for the first time in over a week), Darren, Robyn and myself. Again, I thought there were some interesting story angles with a rich investor trying to hit the big time, an up-and-coming student coming to terms with his mentor's secrets, an overwhelmed dorm roommate claiming her own space, and a caring uncle in search of meaning through his recently divorced sister. Charles did quite well indeed getting back into the groove (and I so enjoy having his energy back in the rehearsal hall and on the stage.) Robyn emerged as our star choice for the second act, which pitted me against her as her sloppy and vengeful roommate with an oddly ever-changing dialect (oh dear!) I enjoyed this run as a participant, and there were many strong choices. We also used the space more imaginatively which, in turn, gave Matt on lights an opportunity to explore new dynamics. I really loved my final confrontation with Robyn's character and her brilliant sudden change of heart at the last second.
We managed to finish up the second run just after 11:00, and we struck and I mopped the sweat from my brow (Chase noted that he's never seen me so sweaty after a show - for those of you who have seen me perform, that says a LOT!). Most got out of there by 11:30, although Gina and I stayed until 12:30ish discussing some new strategies and the like.
I'm tired, but I must say that the joy is really coming back to me. It's an odd journey as a director to return to a previous project, but I can really see the fruits of our labor now and the changes I've made in the format really seem to be helping us take this to the next level. I'm excited for returning audience members (and newcomers) to experience this new improved version of the show...
I need sleep.
Your up-all-night-again Director, David C.
