This is the night where I went to rehearsal and things did not go as planned. The show airs on Friday, so in a day, and people were not hitting their cues to come on stage; people were missing lines; etc. The stage was finally set up with the set and the backdrop. What made me really happy was when I saw the dance numbers. Those looked really good. As a choreographer, this made me really happy. The duet dances were entertaining and showed what these fine high school students were capable of doing.
Of course there were issues with tech, such as microphones or lighting, but other than that, as the choreographer, it looked fantastic. There were other issues such as people confronting one another as issues. Also, stage moms do not necessarily help in those situations. They tend to bring on more drama than necessary.
Last night we only got to run through act one because the school was turing off the water at 7. So we had to get out of there after that because it's the law for us to not be in there when those issues rise.
People are getting stressed with the show, but they need to realize that if they put in the work now, it will pay off in the end. So, I guess we can only hope and pray that everything goes as planned. Fingers crossed and hope they break a leg.
Thursday, March 27, 2014
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
Rehearsal March 23
We are getting down to the nitty gritty of the musical. It is tech week for the play and we are getting down to finalizing everything. We are getting the mics set up, also the lighting, and also finalizing and correcting the choreography. So far, what I am seeing is going really good. The cast, I can tell, is gettin really stressed about everything and tensions are running high. That is expected because there is a lot to do and a lot to finalize. But all in all, everything is coming together. We finished costuming, finishing up the set, and getting everything put together. Our shows run this Friday at 7:30pm, Saturday 7:30pm, and Sunday 2:00pm. Hopefully we get a good turn out. The kids have been putting everything they have into this production and it is really paying off with all the time and effort they are putting in it. Tonight, they are doing full make up and costume rehearsal. Hopefully everything plays out for them. Best of luck to them all!
Tuesday, March 11, 2014
March 10th Rehearsal
Much to my dismay, the orchestra came today to play through Act One. I have to admit that I was terrified. I had no idea how it was going to sound (especially with a big cut).
Needless to say, I was freaking out over nothing. The lead of the show was sick, so I got to be the one who sang through her solos (as much as I could remember--some notes may have been off, but it was fun, especially singing Anything Goes). The orchestra ROCKED!! For being a high school, it was beyond amazing, and that's only after three rehearsals (they assured me that they will sound better, which is fine by me)!
We went through the music of Act One, went back to grab some spots throughout (mostly some duet stuff to figure out rhythmic timing and tempos--something I either didn't communicate clearly or didn't even think about to the conductor, which I'm learning for next time). It was incredibly productive. Seeing the kids perform and sing/dance "Anything Goes" with the orchestra was amazing. It was so inspiring and has really made me consider what I want to be doing with my life (I really have this urge, either to direct or teach or both...I don't know when or how that will happen, but I feel like those two things are going to be in my life at some point).
Needless to say, I was freaking out over nothing. The lead of the show was sick, so I got to be the one who sang through her solos (as much as I could remember--some notes may have been off, but it was fun, especially singing Anything Goes). The orchestra ROCKED!! For being a high school, it was beyond amazing, and that's only after three rehearsals (they assured me that they will sound better, which is fine by me)!
We went through the music of Act One, went back to grab some spots throughout (mostly some duet stuff to figure out rhythmic timing and tempos--something I either didn't communicate clearly or didn't even think about to the conductor, which I'm learning for next time). It was incredibly productive. Seeing the kids perform and sing/dance "Anything Goes" with the orchestra was amazing. It was so inspiring and has really made me consider what I want to be doing with my life (I really have this urge, either to direct or teach or both...I don't know when or how that will happen, but I feel like those two things are going to be in my life at some point).
March 7th Rehearsal
Finally back with these kids!! It's been great to work with them and see what they've done. They got A LOT accomplished with the chorus numbers. We ended up going back and hitting Public Enemy Number One, There's No Cure Like Travel (which leads into Bon Voyage) and we started Blow Gabriel Blow.
Something that was really exciting was in Public Enemy Number One. So usually there's music that plays underneath one of the chorus lines. Me being the guy who thinks outside the box, I decided to have the orchestra drop out in measure 101 so the kids could sing the rest a capella (I mean, who EVER sings a capella on stage in big show?? No one!! Or rarely anyone...). I'm really proud of this idea, mostly because it's refreshing. It's a breath of fresh air, as they say. There's a lot that the orchestra plays, so I wanted to change it up. Definitely am learning to trust my instincts!!
Something that was really exciting was in Public Enemy Number One. So usually there's music that plays underneath one of the chorus lines. Me being the guy who thinks outside the box, I decided to have the orchestra drop out in measure 101 so the kids could sing the rest a capella (I mean, who EVER sings a capella on stage in big show?? No one!! Or rarely anyone...). I'm really proud of this idea, mostly because it's refreshing. It's a breath of fresh air, as they say. There's a lot that the orchestra plays, so I wanted to change it up. Definitely am learning to trust my instincts!!
March 8th Rehearsal
Such a wonderful rehearsal with this cast!! When I was approached to help music direct a show at a high school, I immediately asked myself "What can I do"? What can I do to help shape the music, to help these teens grow into amazing theatre makers. I still ask myself this question.
Coming into this I had no idea what to expect, but I think that's the beauty of this experience. I had no preconceived notion of what this should be like. It's like trying a new kind of food. Skeptical, but hopeful for a good outcome.
We got to work on individual songs today (mostly worked with duet stuff and started hammering out this quartet). It went pretty well. We still have some work to do, but it's coming along!! We ran through DeLovely and All Through The Night and some other songs. I think the biggest accomplishment is starting to put these smaller numbers together. A lot of the time, these songs just focus on certain characters (originally I had thought it was a lot of chorus--boy was I wrong). Overall, feeling positive about this show!!
--Joseph (I don't know how to change my username--darn!!)
Coming into this I had no idea what to expect, but I think that's the beauty of this experience. I had no preconceived notion of what this should be like. It's like trying a new kind of food. Skeptical, but hopeful for a good outcome.
We got to work on individual songs today (mostly worked with duet stuff and started hammering out this quartet). It went pretty well. We still have some work to do, but it's coming along!! We ran through DeLovely and All Through The Night and some other songs. I think the biggest accomplishment is starting to put these smaller numbers together. A lot of the time, these songs just focus on certain characters (originally I had thought it was a lot of chorus--boy was I wrong). Overall, feeling positive about this show!!
--Joseph (I don't know how to change my username--darn!!)
Monday, March 10, 2014
March 10 Rehearsal
Today was another successful day at choreography! At 6pm, the orchestra finally came to do the singing portion with the cast, but sadly my time with the kids ends at 6 so I could not use the orchestra tonight. It would have been rather beneficial if I could have!
We went through "Anything Goes" and "Blow Gabriel Blow" twice. Once with me helping, then the second time I stepped aside and watched and recorded. What I saw was actually amazing. They know the numbers now by heart and we can run through them fully without too many road bumps. What did need fixed did get fixed so now everyone should be in working condition for those two pieces.
Finally, we got the the finale piece. It's a smaller reprise of "I Get A Kick Out Of You". It was a really easy number to finalize. Then we got the bows which goes to the song "Anything Goes." I really wanted the cast to play with this final song. They come out in an order where everyone will come out on the stage and do the bows. It kind of made me sad knowing that we got the final number done.
We are not even close to being done or being show ready so we still have plenty of time to work on the pieces, get the set set up, and perfecting the music with the orchestra. Just counting down the days till the show premiers! Getting really excited!
We went through "Anything Goes" and "Blow Gabriel Blow" twice. Once with me helping, then the second time I stepped aside and watched and recorded. What I saw was actually amazing. They know the numbers now by heart and we can run through them fully without too many road bumps. What did need fixed did get fixed so now everyone should be in working condition for those two pieces.
Finally, we got the the finale piece. It's a smaller reprise of "I Get A Kick Out Of You". It was a really easy number to finalize. Then we got the bows which goes to the song "Anything Goes." I really wanted the cast to play with this final song. They come out in an order where everyone will come out on the stage and do the bows. It kind of made me sad knowing that we got the final number done.
We are not even close to being done or being show ready so we still have plenty of time to work on the pieces, get the set set up, and perfecting the music with the orchestra. Just counting down the days till the show premiers! Getting really excited!
Sunday, March 9, 2014
March 7 Rehearsal
On Friday, the rehearsal was only for the character of Billy, Hope, Evelyn, and Reno.
I wanted to get through the dance numbers of "You're The Top" "Easy to Love" and "Gypsy In Me"
The choreography for "You're The Top" is easy and ready to go for now.
For "Easy To Love" I had to teach Billy and Hope how to ballroom dance.
And for "Gypsy In Me" I got Evelyn and Hope started on their choreography! I wanted to use the words for their emphasis for Evelyn. Also, during the big dance break, I really wanted this to be a comical moment. I had Evelyn use the robe that he is wearing as a prop because the music is really like hispanic sounding. More Spanish if you will. I wanted Evelyn to use his robe as if he is trying to bull fight. With the moves that he is using, Reno's character looks at Evelyn like, "How am I attracted to this man? Oh yeah, because he likes me for me and doesn't judge me." It's a comical relief for the audience and for Evelyn and Reno's character to finally show who they really are.
This was a short rehearsal but we got a lot done for them. So glad that the show if finally about done!
I wanted to get through the dance numbers of "You're The Top" "Easy to Love" and "Gypsy In Me"
The choreography for "You're The Top" is easy and ready to go for now.
For "Easy To Love" I had to teach Billy and Hope how to ballroom dance.
And for "Gypsy In Me" I got Evelyn and Hope started on their choreography! I wanted to use the words for their emphasis for Evelyn. Also, during the big dance break, I really wanted this to be a comical moment. I had Evelyn use the robe that he is wearing as a prop because the music is really like hispanic sounding. More Spanish if you will. I wanted Evelyn to use his robe as if he is trying to bull fight. With the moves that he is using, Reno's character looks at Evelyn like, "How am I attracted to this man? Oh yeah, because he likes me for me and doesn't judge me." It's a comical relief for the audience and for Evelyn and Reno's character to finally show who they really are.
This was a short rehearsal but we got a lot done for them. So glad that the show if finally about done!
Monday, March 3, 2014
March 3rd Rehearsal
Today was a great day for rehearsal. We got a lot done today. The biggest accomplishment that we got done today was the entire number of Blow Gabriel Blow. The entire dance portion is now complete!!
The dance is simple but still showy enough where it will be very pleasing for the audience to watch. I can't wait to see it all come together when we finally put the set together.
Also, the issue with the music for Anything Goes is finally being fixed tonight with the orchestra director. So things are finally falling into place. 25 days left till the show!
The dance is simple but still showy enough where it will be very pleasing for the audience to watch. I can't wait to see it all come together when we finally put the set together.
Also, the issue with the music for Anything Goes is finally being fixed tonight with the orchestra director. So things are finally falling into place. 25 days left till the show!
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