I spent the last week in rehearsals for Sunday in the Park with George. I always think I'm going to find time to blog during rehearsals but then I find myself fascinated by the entire rehearsal process. More so on this show, I think because I don't entirely get the show. I don't think I understand what Sondheim was trying to say with this musical. So I spend my time engrossed by the entire process.
This past week was especially fun because we only worked with the 2 leads who play Georges Seraut in the first act and George the artist in the second, and the one who plays Dot in the first act and Marie in the second. See? Already you're confused so you can imagine my state of mind! I really enjoyed getting to know these 2 actors before everyone else shows up on Tuesday. They are very nice and easy-going, yay! Plus, I only had to track the blocking for 2 people instead of 15; so much easier! Next week, I'll be tearing my hair out trying to figure who enters in what wing only to have the director change it as soon as I've written it down.
Oh well. Goes with the territory. Can't make art without a few edits.
And, I've discovered that my singing lessons have come in handy on this musical! I can read music but it used to take me a while to decipher the rhythm and notes. But now, that I've been working with music on a daily basis, I find it's much easier to follow along in the score. I bet that comes in handy during tech week when I have to call cues off of the music.
I sure hope it makes my life easier because there is a lot going on in the show. We have dogs tracking on and off the stage as well as panels, benches, a vanity, a scaffolding unit. Add to that the 15 cast members plus 11-piece orchestra along with video, sound cues, and all the rest of a normal production. It's going to be big!
I'm kinda scared but also a little excited for the challenge.
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"Can't make art without a few edits."
ReplyDeletePerfect statement. Perfect. ;)
Don't forget, it's all about you and you are in charge. You are the Stage Manager. You can't get scared, or worse, You Can't Show It. You'll do fine. Let me know when you figure out the show. When does it open and is it playing over Memorial Day weekend?
ReplyDeleteGood Luck with this, and you're right about the edits. I wish more of life had edits...
ReplyDeleteHow are the running and singing going?
very cool that the music lessons are coming in handy...you got a lot of movement going n there...glad you can keep track of it.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE LOVE LOVE Sondheim and especially this play. I have to admit I kind of go with the flow sometimes with this one...the intergenerational artist thing is a little confusing, but I play the original cast recording with Bernadette Peters and Mandy Patinkin frequently. Love it. I think my favorite Sondheim though is Passions. Oh the dissonant tones of obsessive crazy love.
ReplyDeleteDid you hear the Fresh Air interview of Sondheim for his 80th birthday? He must have corrected Terry Gross' words at least 6 times. I didn't think anyone could out vocab her!
Remember "Art isn't easy."
I have absolutely NO idea what you're talking about, but I think I like it!
ReplyDeleteI've never actually seen the play but I remember my mother being totally blown away by it despite the hard work behind the scenes. "Can't make art without a few edits" .. a friend just said this to me in a slightly more obtuse way "You have to be prepared to kill your babies!"
ReplyDeleteArt Isn't Easy indeed Wenderina and I did hear some of the Sondheim interview, still going strong at 80! And e, thanks for asking, I'm so far keeping up with the running and singing if scaled back a little but I guess a little bit everyday is the way to maintain!
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