Well, dear readers, we are on our way. Yes, you heard it here, dear readers, we are on our way. We’ve had our first of three music rehearsals and I couldn’t be more pleased if I were Eulalie McKechnie Shinn or even Donna McKechnie Shinn. Well, I could be more pleased if we, of course, had our leading man. I’m hoping today will rectify that situation, oh, yes, I’m hoping today will rectify that situation. But, let’s start at the very beginning, which, by the way (BTW, in Internet lingo), is a very good place to start. I got up nice and early, did my morning ablutions, and then was on my way to our first rehearsal. I walked into a roomful of lovely people and immediately noticed our newly cast Joyce, Amy Bodnar. It turns out we’d met before, when Ragtime was in Los Angeles – she covered Evelyn Nesbitt (and eventually played the role on Broadway) and I think we probably had a meal once with Jason Graae and other cast members. She’s a delight, very pretty, and I think she’ll be very good for the role. I must say, there’s nothing like being in a rehearsal room with actors who are professional and there to do their job. The rehearsal went really well, and the numbers are already sounding wonderful, even though about five people were missing (two of our ensemble couldn’t start until today, plus Alet, Fred, and our Rod, who dropped by but couldn’t start until today). Basically, everyone learned all the group numbers, so that’s a big chunk done. I left the rehearsal a little early to go watch our choreographer’s work on The Brain Tap, which is going to be really something. He’s asked to rearrange the structure of the number a tiny bit, and I just told him to do it and I’d take a look at it on its feet – I’m sure it will be fine. So, all in all, it was a wonderful rehearsal and the cast is really excellent. I then had a short meeting with our general manager (more checks to be written – at some point that doesn’t happen for a couple of weeks, and that will be nice). I then auditioned two actors, neither of whom were really right. Then I came back to the current digs and had to do a lot of stuff on the computer, in addition to having several long telephonic calls.
Then, I toddled off to Joe Allen to sup with Cason and BJ. We had different foodstuffs than last night, and it was all too too and excellent, although I’m now officially ready to try some other jernts. We saw Miss Marge Champion, and Gordon Davidson and wife Judy at a nearby table, otherwise I didn’t recognize anyone. By the time we left it was ten-twenty and the jernt was pretty empty, which seemed a bit unusual given the crowds that have been there recently. I then came back to the current digs and sat on a chair like so much fish.
Well, why don’t we all click on the Unseemly Button below because I must get these here notes posted and get some beauty sleep in my most uncomfortable bed.
Have I mentioned that we’re on our way? Today is music rehearsal number two, but prior to that we have our official meet and greet and then a read-through of the script. After that, I think it’s mostly Barry Pearl and Cason’s numbers. I’ll then attend to some things that need attending to, and then Cason, BJ, and I are going to see Merrill Grant in her Fringe show, down in the Village. Not sure if we’ll eat something before – it depends on how I’m feeling. I may just want to grab a quick bite, or I may want to wait until after the show, although curtain isn’t until eight-thirty, and I don’t know how long the show is.
Saturday we have our third and final music rehearsal (although Fred will need some, when we find a Fred, that is), and I’ll move in to my new digs. I may try to see a show on Saturday night if I can get a ticket to something. On Sunday, I have a production meeting of some sort, which I hope won’t take up too much time. Then Miss Patti arrives and we’ll go over things for our first rehearsal on Monday. Amy is gone Monday and Tuesday, but back with us for good on Wednesday afternoon. We’ll be doing mostly the big group numbers the first few days.
Well, dear readers, I must take the day, I must do the things I do, I must, for example, do a read-through, have a music rehearsal, write checks and see a show. Today’s topic of discussion: It’s Friday – what is currently in your CD player, and your DVD/video player? I have neither so it’s your turn. Let’s have loads of lovely postings, shall we, whilst I toddle off to my most uncomfortable bed.