May 30, 2009
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Sweeney Opens
Sweeney opened last night with a solid performance by a very talented cast and great orchestra. It’s been a bit of a white knuckle ride. I haven’t wanted to write about it because I didn’t want to be discouraging to everyone who’ve been working so hard to meet our deadline. Over the years I’ve learned to have some faith in directors and their visions. Still, we didn’t have the chute through which bodies drop when Sweeney kills them until minutes before the doors opened. No chance to rehearse the scenes. Kudos to Patrick, Cathy, Rob, Joe and…well, me, for adapting and making it looked planned.
This is an extremely challenging show to perform and produce. The music, harmonies and rhythms, are extremely difficult to hear. Sondheim set out a tough task for casts. Everyone has worked hard to make the show seem easy. Our director, Pete LaBriola is…laconic, to say the least. He puts great confidence in his cast to find their characters and tone with little feedback. This gratifies some and alarms others. Pete has chosen his cast well and everyone has worked hard to define their niche in the show. Get your tickets at http://www.kelseyatmccc.or
g I am happy that we’ve opened and rehearsals are over. Although I regret not being able to do any of the great summer shows on offer, my agreement to not perform during the summer is good discipline to make sure I balance work, acting, and family relationships. Summer is time to be with family and friends and lay on the beach. I will be looking for opportunities for the fall and auditioning, but that’s it. (Speaking of which, never heard anything from Lantern Theater and so I assume that they were underwhelmed with my audition.)
In other news, there are some openings and continuing shows with friends. Actors Net opened Booth last night and it got rave reviews, at Least from Marco’s mother who kept shout “Yes, yes, give it me,” as is her wont. Go to http://actorsnetbucks.org for more info. Also coming at the Net is “Cicadas and the Evangelist” an original show by local actor Jack Bathke.
Coming up, John Zimmerman is directing “Pippin” at Town and Country in June. Http://www.townandcountryplayers.org See you at Kelsey!
