What a Weekend!

We put on 3 shows this past weekend. The best turnout was Saturday (22 people), but everyone who came really seemed to enjoy it. Especially my mom & dad, who came Sunday. On Saturday before the show, I visited my cousin Dawn & her baby, Gianni at my parents' house for dinner. He's such a cute kid! My sister Keri & her husband Joe were there, too. They plan to come see me on Sunday for the 2pm show. I hope they'll like it! We were going to have the cast party after the last show on Nov. 2, but we figured there would not be enough time, since we have to strike the set immediately afterwards. So we had the party on Sunday evening at a cast member's house. We brought our own boooze, pitched in for the deli spread, and everybody had a good time! There's one last rehearsal tomorrow, then another cast member is planning a Halloween party for Friday! I wasn't sure whether to get a new costume, or go with one I already have.
I'm sure our last performances are going to be the best!

Our First Shows

We had our first 2 performances this weekend....and they rocked! Of course, they would have rocked even more if we had more people in the audience (13 for Friday's show, 17 for Saturday's show). But that's OK. I think maybe it's because we got a little bit of a late start in promotions. I'm getting a feeling that our audiences will multiply for this weekend. Especially since it's the only weekend that were doing 3 performances. But my family is planning to come, as well as some of my co-workers. And some family & friends of my castmates are supposed to be there, too. We'll have another run through this Thursday, just to freshen up our act. It'll be great having my family to see me on stage again.

Getting Closer....

Almost there! We had another full dress rehearsal with lights, props, a complete set (we finally got a sofa), the whole nine yards. The school let us stay a little late to finish, since we got a late start. But for the most part, it went well. At one point, though, the wall phone fell off, but at least it happened then & not during a performance! We got one more rehearsal tonight, then tomorrow, it's showtime!

First Dress Rehearsal!

Last night's dress rehearsal went GREAT. For the first time, we got through the ENTIRE PLAY in chronological order, and we didn't even start on time! We finished just 5 minutes before 11pm, when the staff has to kick us out of the school. And as if that weren't enough to get us psyched, last night was the first time we were not allowed to ask for a line if we forgot one. With a few minor exceptions, WE NAILED IT. Spirits are high, and we also got tickets to sell in advance. We'll see how the attendance will be, but I don't think it willl affect the quality of our performance. Tomorrow, one of my castmates is having a fundraising event for her father, who has been diagnosed with cancer. So I decided to attend & show my support. It should be fun.

Off Book!

This week marks our first off book rehearsals. We can no longer take our scripts onstage with us, and we have to ask what our line is if we forget. This is also the first week that we are rehearsing on our newly constructed set. It tends to throw off our blocking, especially for the third act when all the characters are there. But for the most part, it went well. Everyone was getting the giggles at some awkward situations, and we were able to point out some needed changes. It's hard to grasp that we only have a little over 2 weeks before our first performance!

This Weekend

On Saturday, I'll be joining some of my fellow castmates to help put together the set for "Come Blow Your Horn". We'll probably be there for several hours & might go get something to eat afterwards. Also, the Italian American Festival is happening at Mercer County Park again. There'll be plenty to see, do & even more to eat. So that's a great way to spend the day. I wonder if "Uncle Floyd" Vivino will be there? I have rehearsal again tomorrow with just the guys in the cast. Everything's going really well. As we memorize more of our lines, the show is flowing a lot quicker & smoother. Once we get the set constructed though, it'll really make us feel comfortable. Only about 3 1/2 weeks until the first performance, I'm so psyched!

All is Well

Good news! Turns out that I won't have to quit the play after all. Barry, the director of the TV pilot, sent me an e-mail telling to me to go ahead & do it, since the premiere probably won't be that weekend anyway. I also heard from Jen, the associate director, that the post-production may take a little longer than expected. So, I'm still waiting to find out the details of this event. No telling when, where or how it will shape up. Meanwhile, things are going pretty well for the play rehearsals. We're starting to lock down our blocking and get off book. I'm certainly feeling more relaxed due to the recent news. Next rehearsal is tomorrow, but I won't have to come in until about 8-ish. It'll give me enough time to chill & eat at home. More news as it becomes available. Later!