It's Show Week!

Dear Blog-followers:


Today was our first public outing and it was terrific! I am so proud of how far we have come in the last few weeks, and of course since we started this show 4 months ago!
The reviews from the Middle School and Elementary schools are in, and they were blown away by the full ensemble numbers, the dancing, the backdrop, the setwork, the quality of the transitions.
Personally, I agree with all of the observations.
As we are in the final stretch, the detail work that will happen during these next few days will be quite impressive, and add a sparkle to our show.
Though we raced through teaching the bows today, I am really excited, and think that it is a great way for us to end the show.. High energy, movement, smiles and the like really will leave a lasting impression on the audience.
Please be sure to check out each of the three nights of performance. Each time you go, try to notice different details some things to look for:

1. Backdrop design: Alison and Gabriella came up with these designs with very little guidance and a whole LOT of creativity and devotion. Look at the detail work that they have done - when you think about the size - 800 square feet of canvas, they really went above and beyond in creating beautiful pieces of artwork.
2. Lighting Design: Congratulations to Billy and Brendon on creating an amazing light plot. Each lighting change represents an artisitic decision that had to be made, light fixtures that had to be aimed, cabling that had to be run and a light cue created on the light board. In addition to creating a light plot, they did it all while learning how to use a brand new (read: complicated) light board.
3. Sound Design: Joel and Kevin worked really hard on creating a "sound plot" for this show that was easy to understand for both actors and audience. Running 18 Wireless microphones this close to a metropolitan area is next to impossible, they were able to help find ways to make everyone heard clearly.
4. Set Changes: Almost every set piece is stored somewhere on the stage even when it is not being used. Finding a hiding place for each of these set pieces that still allows that piece to be accessible for the next scene, or so that it doesn't get in the way of the actors is a challenge that Emily and the rest of the stage crew has done an amazing job with. Luckily for me, they don't let me go backstage - apparently it is flurry of activity both in between and behind scenes.
5. Props: Everything that is not a costume or a set piece is considered a prop. Shirley, Karen Carrie and Jessica have made almost every prop by themselves. After reading the script, they came up with a list of things that the actors needed and started developing creative ideas to make each of the props come to life.
6. Ensemble work: Even during scenes where leads are taking center stage, the ensemble characters have worked very hard to make each scene come to life. Each actor on stage has developed their own character to make the entire scene more believable and realistic.
7. Leads: Of course much of the audience's attention will be on the person who is speaking, but from time to time, take note of reactions, and other interactions on the stage. Everything that happens on the stage is calculated and well thought out, and adds to the entire atmosphere of the show.
8. Whole picture: All of the above (and then some) contribute to the overall generall effect of the show, and I'm proud to say that our kids have gone above and beyond in creating a realistic "1922 NYC" production.

Enjoy the show!!!