Well, dear readers, yesterday was quite the little rollercoaster ride. Yes, you heard it here, dear readers, yesterday was quite the little rollercoaster ride. The day started quite badly, went downhill from there, and then turned itself around by mid-day, and ended quite well. So, if we can only alleviate the downhill part from all future days, then all will be well and well will be all, not necessarily in that order. Given the events of the morning and the ensuing hours, I held absolutely no hope for our casting session. Plus, I thought we were seeing some new people, but there was only one new person, someone who couldn’t make the auditions last week. This new person was a Kevin Spirtas recommendation. I’d really wanted to see more people for that particular part, because even though we were calling back a few people, none of the folks we’d seen was, for me, even in the ballpark. So, the new fellow came in, read with Tammy and basically hit the ball out of the park. The minute he opened his mouth and did the first page, I knew he was it. He was the only actor I’ve heard who totally understood how to play the opening scene, and it was so gratifying to hear the lines read well and with the proper understanding of them. We then had him read with our first choice for the other male role, and they had a lovely camaraderie together. So, offers are going out to both of them this morning. As soon as we know if they’ve accepted and can free the time to do the show (I’d sort of doubt they would have come to the reading if they didn’t know the gig), I’ll announce it here first. I then headed over to LACC, and began the evening singing through the opening number, which I was happy to hear the kids had really been working on. My friend, M’lisa MacLaren joined the cast, so we had another strong voice. Unfortunately, we had two people who didn’t show up, and I may just remove them from the show, unless they assure me they’re going to be at every rehearsal from here on in. Then I got everyone on stage and began putting the number together. I had a vague idea of how I wanted certain things, but, for me, it’s always flying by the seat of your pants. I got the opening moments right away, and then just put the puzzle pieces together as we went along. The patterns are really fun, and I’m trying to keep it simple and effective looking, but always on the move. There are some things that I already know I’ll be changing and smoothing out, but I just want to get the whole thing up on its feet before I finesse it. Everyone did a good job of picking up the staging, and it was basically a really strong rehearsal. We’ll see how much they retain on Wednesday. My assistant wrote down every move that every person makes, so if anyone is forgetful we have it on paper.
Well, why don’t we all click on the Unseemly Button below because, well, because it’s just what we DO.
Last night, I finished watching a motion picture on DVD entitled A Dry White Season, starring Mr. Donald Sutherland, Miss Susan Sarandon, and Mr. Marlon Brando. About South Africa during apartheid, the film is quite powerful, and I really liked it a lot. Mr. Brando is excellent in his small role, and Mr. Sutherland is terrific in his leading role. Miss Sarandon’s character is pretty wasted and underdeveloped, but she’s fine. The bad guys are truly repugnant and you hate them, as you should. It’s quite well directed, and Dave Grusin’s score is a plus. The transfer is standard 80s – but, considering it’s MGM/UA, we should be grateful it’s anamorphically enhanced for widescreen TVs.
Today I shall be going through about ten more DVDs for footage, and I’ll also be attending to many other things that need my attention. I’ve also got to ship a package or three, and hopefully pick up some packages, as well.
Well, dear readers, I must take the day, I must do the things I do, I must, for example, view footage, I really must try to write (I need to finish the story I’m on – another ten or fifteen pages ought to do it), and I must drive about in my motor car, doing errands that need doing. I will also be receiving the model of our set, so I can start playing around with staging ideas. Today’s topic of discussion: If money were no object, where would you like to live, in what sort of home would you reside, and what sort of car would you want to tool around in? Let’s have loads of lovely postings, shall we, and let’s have no more rollercoaster mornings, please.