Good Afternoon! Good Evening!
Greetings from the pit of the historic National Theatre in Washington, DC. I was hoping to post from the Barnes & Noble next door, or the Starbucks on the corner - well, one of the Starbuck on one of the many corners around here - but I didn't realize they all went to pay-as-you-go plans (FreedomLink, TMobile, etc.), and since I'm cheap.... Ah, well... Might as well take advantage of the free connection via the
Mamma Mia! stage management while I can.
So far, so good.
It truly is a different vibe with a new percussionist and Guitar 2. It will probably take us a few performances to get "in the pocket", again, so far, so good. (Ah, a
No Way To Treat A Lady reference! -Whose Cast Album happened to be produced by our very own, BK, and which happens to have my favorite hidden track too!) In any case...
I realized that the last few times I've played at the National, it's been for some special events or rehearsals. When I ran into the assistant conductor before the sound check, and he asked me how to get to the pit, I had no idea. So, we just followed our logic, and headed down a set of stairs, and, lo and behold, we found the pit. And what a pit.
It's a bit smaller than "we" are used to. In fact, the drummer and bass player are sitting outside the pit proper, and being guided via video monitors. It's a little strange having the main parts of the rhythm section away from everyone else, but... We were hoping the keyboards would be placed "outside" like they usually are - makes it a whole lot easier to dress - or not dress - for the show, since we wouldn't be seen. But...
It's my first time in the pit of the National Theatre.
*I'm composing this post from one of the Starbucks on one of the many corners, so... I shall be reading the day's posts posthaste.
**I will admit that it's a little strange being observed this week. My "replacement" will be starting next week, and I will be doing whatever I end up doing. I'm thinking of going back to the music store for a while. But, still, it's a little strange knowing that I'll be on-call after this week. And, thus, my payroll will be "on-call" too.
I think - the contractor is still being a little vague about all of this. I think. But I'm thankful for the work,
***And in another bit of weirdness - Due to the local union arrangement, each keyboard has a local "cover". Gotta love those minimums... Eh...
