As of tomorrow, we go hard-core straight through opening weekend. Tomorrow is Oct. 8, and we won’t have a day off til Oct. 22.
Kinda sucks to go that many days straight without a break, but it’s the way of things. The schedule just worked out like that with a few people’s conflicts. Not ideal, but we do what we need to do. There are no excuses come opening night.
Yesterday was the first day we had the full band in (piano, cello and flute), and it was incredible to hear it all come together. This week, while the band take a small break we’ll begin playing with make-up. Later this week the whole thing comes back together and we’ll be in tech.
The basic outline of the set is up and base-painted. It will gather more detail daily through tech weekend. I’m seeing bits of costumes come in every day or so to get fitted on an actor.
This is the place that can make or break you. The place where the whole thing can get right out of your hands if you aren’t careful. Luckily, we’re in a remarkable place. I know Angela (music director) and myself felt a little behind for a bit, but perhaps that was to be expected when neither of us has ever taken on a musical before in our respective capacities. We seem to have caught up just fine.
In another stroke of luck, we may be adding some additional performances tomorrow. Signs were certainly pointing in that direction as of Friday. What a treat to be able to add shows two weeks before we open! N.B. The Friday and Saturday night shows of opening weekend (10/19 and 20) are SOLD OUT. Sunday (10/21) is very close. We’re still encouraging anyone who wants to see us opening weekend to please consider coming out to see us on opening Thursday (10/18).
The show is clocking in well under 2 hours. First act is about 58 minutes and act two is about 35. We’re looking at a 15 minute intermission but reality may dictate we take a 20 so that the actors have enough time to reapply make-up and actually get a quick break. My point is, even if you come on a Thu. night, you’ll be out before 10p. This isn’t a marathon like Pillowman or Hurlyburly.
The longer I look at this show, the broader I’m seeing the appeal. A few folks have asked if the show is ok for their XX year old or not. I hate to ever offer up what’s ok for someone’s kid or not, but I can say there’s nothing that objectionable in it and we’re calling it at PG-13. The most questionable short is certainly The Curious Sofa, and it’s all innuendo. Any concerned parent can easily get a copy of the actual very short story and make a decision themselves. There’s no language, no real violence – just a smattering of dark subject matter and some innuendo.
I’m proud, and this may be the last morning I have to sit and objectively pore over an espresso and think about all that. As of tomorrow it’s details, minutiae, a race to the finish line. I’ll see you guys on the other side of the busted tape.
