Thanks to all for such discipline and enthusiasm during the last several rehearsals. We can't get complacent but the set construction, sound equipment installation, lighting design and installation, prop gathering, costume creation, etc. are all coming along reasonably well. Please give us what time you can to help with the set and the costumes over the next 2 weeks. Some cast members have not helped with construction and costumes at all. If this is you, please help us out.
Some major challenges remain:
1. Several ensemble members are still struggling with their lyrics and pick-ups. If you are struggling with knowing your lyrics and when you sing them you need to PRACTICE AND REVIEW ON YOUR OWN before every rehearsal from now on. We have too much to do to be held up because your are not practicing outside of full-cast rehearsals. Please don't let yourself and the rest of the cast down!
2. Everyone, ensemble and leads, should take some time and review your lyrics. Your goal should be 100% accuracy. We surely don't want to settle for "I was close." Some of you are quite skilled at "free-style-made-up lyrics" and "on-the-fly-harmonies." I am not trying to insult anyone or diminish how hard you have worked but not singing the lyrics as written causes problems for those that have to sing with, along, and after you! An easy way to check yourself is to ask fellow cast members what they are hearing from you.
3. Now that we have had a few rehearsals on the set we will begin adding and firmly setting much more business and characterization for everyone. In all rehearsals now, even if I have seemingly ignored you, please remember why your character is in a scene and what your character wants from the others on stage with you.
4. The next few rehearsals with the orchestra are likely to be challenging as we continue to set tempos, lengths of vamps, lead-ins, cut-offs, scene change cues, etc. As we rehearse with the orchestra, please remember that the CONDUCTOR SETS THE TEMPO FOR THE VOCALISTS... NOT THE OTHER WAY AROUND. There are some portions of songs where the conductor will guide the orchestra to follow a vocalist- but these are in very specific places which will be set by the conductor during rehearsals. PLAN TO SING WITH THE ORCHESTRA AS IF YOU WERE SINGING WITH A CD AS YOUR BACK-UP. YOU MUST ADJUST YOUR SINGING TO THE TEMPO OF THE ORCHESTRA AND YOU MUST LISTEN CAREFULLY TO THE ORCHESTRA AS YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO SEE THE CONDUCTOR.
5. 100% ATTENDANCE IS CRITICAL NOW TO THE SUCCESS OF THE SHOW. Those continuing to miss rehearsals are likely to be removed from the scenes they miss. Of course there are emergencies, work and life "issues" that come up, but you must keep me informed. If you can't reach me or Dan Snow (Stage Manager) in advance, make sure someone else (1) tells me why you are missing, and (2) is prepared to take notes for you. Some of the children in the cast, and some adults as well, have missed many rehearsals and should miss no more... their participation while continuing to miss so many rehearsals would be very unfair to those who have been committed, serious, and responsible about the rehearsal process.
6. THOSE CAST MEMBERS WHO HAVE NOT COMPLETED THEIR CHARACTER SHEETS FOR THE DRAMA COACH (Chrissie) MUST DO SO BY NOVEMBER 1ST. If you choose not to complete this task you will not be performing to your full potential. The reason for this requirement is really quite simple... If your character does not have a "history" as described in your character sheet you, as a character in a story, can't know why your character is in a scene, how you got there, why you are there, and what you want by being there.
7. The rehearsals noted on your schedule as "To be announced" are going to be used for rehearsals. Please don't make plans for those dates. I will let you know the specifics for those dates as soon as I can.
Thanks for still dreaming the dream!
Peter