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November 22, 2006:

THE WEIRD DAY

Bruce Kimmel Photograph bk's notes

Well, dear readers, it is quite late and I shall quite have to write these here notes in quite the hurry or the universe will shift on its axis, and we can’t have that, can we? Frankly, I am glad yesterday is over as it was a completely weird day. First, I woke up. That wasn’t weird, but the day was young, which was more than I could say. I can’t even remember what went on in the early part of the day, but whatever it was I’m sure it was weird. Then I toddled off to rehearsal and both rehearsal and run-through were decidedly quite weird. Our new gal, Merrill, cut her foot but good on the car unit (she’s doing a lot more blocking with a lot more jumping around, and there was a sharp edge that had never been a problem before – it’s since been taped with foam over it) – she’s fine and a trouper and was right back on her feet instantly. Then I worked scenes with Kevin and Lauren. Kevin’s been having problems finding his way with his character, sometimes making it much more difficult than I feel is necessary – but actors have their processes and I sometimes wish they didn’t. It sometimes is like taking the longest route somewhere when the shortcut is easier, better, and a lot more fun. After that, we ran all of Merrill’s scenes and all the group numbers, then we broke for dinner. After that, we did our run-through. I’ve been waiting for the run-through that we had last night – I’ve never been involved with a show that ultimately didn’t have the kind of run-through that we had. You know – the kind where nothing in the show is funny, all the timing is a beat off, people forget the set moves for no reason, people yakking too much off-stage, tempers flaring, harmonies forgotten, and all that jazz. And that was our run-through, but interestingly, despite all that stuff, the show is still running exactly what I want it to run, two hours with intermission. So, I’m glad everyone got it out of their system, because we’ve got a lot of work to do and not much time left in which to do it. I will say that Kevin’s run-through was mostly very good and it’s starting to gel. And Merrill is finding her way quite nicely, as are the other actors. Alet is going to be faboo, but again, we’re still finding our way with her – and I’m being maniacal about her remembering and locking what is working, something that isn’t second nature to her. She’s an amazing talent, absolutely breathtaking at times. The student actors continue to get better and better and I’m very pleased with many of them. And there’s that tap dance, which never ceases to amaze me. After rehearsal, Merrill and I went to Astro Burger and it was an inspired choice – food was, as always, absolutely wonderful. That was the only part of the day and evening that wasn’t weird. Then I came home where I had no time to sit on my couch like so much fish.

Last night, I watched 0 count them 0 motion pictures on DVD. No time, and the movies are just piled up on the couch like so much fish. Oh, well, why don’t we all click on the Unseemly Button below because frankly I am done with this quite weird day.

Today is going to be a corker, rehearsal-wise. Since it is a day in which I, for once, will have the entire cast for both afternoon and evening, the intention is to run the show in its entirety twice, before our long four-day vacation. I’m also going to run scene changes a few times between runs. I think running it twice in a row will be very helpful, especially in terms of notes, which the cast will be able to address while they’re fresh in their minds. Before rehearsal, I’m supposed to have a meeting – I’ll know more about it in the morning.

Tomorrow, of course, is Thanksgiving. I didn’t get my usual invite, so Miss Adriana Patti, her mother, and former dear reader Hisaka are coming to the home environment with a turkey in hand. That will be fun, I think, and I’m sure we’ll stuff ourselves silly.

Well, dear readers, I must take the day, I must do the things I do, I must, for example, jog, perhaps have a meeting, and then do two count them two run-throughs, neither of which, I’m hoping, will be weird. Today’s topic of discussion: It’s Ask BK Day, the day in which you get to ask me or any dear reader any old question you like and we get to give any old answer we like. So, let’s have loads of lovely questions and loads of lovely answers and loads of lovely postings, shall we?

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