Well, dear readers, first rehearsals are always interesting and fun, at least in the shows I direct. You figure out the temperature of everyone, the energy, and try to set a tone that makes everyone want to be there and do their best. That’s the way I walk into a first rehearsal – others may follow suit instantly, while others may take a while to get that vibe. But the good news about a one-person show is only one person has to get the vibe. I already knew our musical director had the vibe, and I’m happy to say that Sami came in ready to work and with a positive attitude. And so we began our three weeks of rehearsal. We started right at the top of the show – it took a little time to get back to where we were at the workshop, but right from the top I began adding little stuff and cleaning up the blocking and Sami was right with me, plus we have our line producer Greer writing all the new stuff down. Mainly I’m setting stuff much more solidly than we had time for in the workshop. So, for the numbers, I’m setting hand moves and steps to be exact, and the same goes for the monologues. And as is my practice, I add comic business or even lines as we go – this I will do right up until tech. It’s fun to be back in Molly’s world.
There’s a show in the theater now, and looking at its set, which basically leaves the entire stage open with just stuff on the extreme side walls and back wall, I began to think I may ask my set guy to rethink a couple of things, as I just like that open feel – I don’t like the set much that’s in there, just how there’s breathing room. Right now, in our design it feels boxy to me and a little cramped – so we’ll talk today and he’ll see the space tomorrow night. We worked for four hours and got a lot done, a bit more than a third of the show.
Prior to that, I got nine hours of blessed sleep, the helper came by for a bit, and then I went and had some lunch, namely a turkey sandwich. Later, I found out that when I was there, so were Geena Davis and Susan Sarandon – usually I’m aware, but it was crowded (yes, at noon – I know as soon as I change my arrival time that THAT will then be when they’ll all show up) and I didn’t get my usual up front booth. After that, I had to do some Xeroxing at Staples, then I came home.
I did some work on the computer, had some telephonic calls and then moseyed on over to the theater for rehearsal.
After, I came home, did a jog, and then had a couple of low-calorie, low-fat hot dogs on 120-calorie buns. So, overall I was under 1000 calories, so that was good.
Today, I have some morning stuff to do, then Nick Redman is stopping by, and then I’m meeting our set guy at the theater before rehearsal – he would rather see what I’m talking about earlier than tomorrow so that he can make any adjustments he needs to. Then we’ll rehearse from five to nine. I’ll also eat at some point, and hopefully pick up some packages.
Tomorrow is another rehearsal, Thursday and Friday are meetings and meals, and Friday we also have a pre-rehearsal for the folks in the What If. Saturday and Sunday are our long rehearsal days – I’m not sure if I’m doing anything on Saturday night, although I might see if I can get a ticket to see the show that’s in our theater.
Well, dear readers, I must take the day, I must do the things I do, I must, for example, do a jog, see Nick Redman, eat, hopefully pick up packages, and rehearse. Today’s topic of discussion: Diets – what have been the diets that have worked best for you? What diets didn’t work for you? Let’s have loads of lovely postings, shall we, happy we had a nice first rehearsal that has hopefully set the tone for all that will follow.