No post yesterday -- I was just too tired but the good news is, it was because I went straight from rehearsal to JASON MRAZ! Which was amaaaaazing by the way. I love him. I know this has nothing to do with Hairspray, but I just must say what a great performer he is! His voice is incredible, and then he does stuff like scatting and making his voice sound like different instruments and I love it! He also freestyles in a way that sometimes reminds me of Lin-Manuel (In The Heights) ... and here I have come back to talking about musical theatre, so on with the blog...
Today was fun but a long day. There are so many great moments in the show that are starting to get really funny, and it's nice to get to be one of the first people to watch it. I'm learning a lot but also realizing how much I really do know already which is comforting. Everyday I am reminded of just how much I love this script/score.
I even sort of learned the Madison today -- but didn't want to be annoying or distracting so I just kind of did it on the side when the stage manager said it was OK. I guess understudy rehearsals will be intense but it will also be one-on-one with the dance captain so that's good. It's getting hard to sit still and quiet all day long when you hear that fun, upbeat music -- especially some of the material that I have worked on for so long. But it is TOTALLY worth it, and I am so happy to have the opportunity... it just means I need to sing it when I get home! Hehe... till then, I'm just dancing in my seat at rehearsal time!!! =)
Friday, October 17, 2008
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Tracy's Shadow
Did you know Tracy has a shadow??? She does. It's me. I am slowly getting used to this very weird rehearsal process of sitting and doing a LOT of writing. Since understudy rehearsals won't happen until AFTER the show goes into previews, I'm trying to cover all my bases and be as prepared as possible. It's a little exhausting at times, but I'm sure I will be happy I did this later in the game. Especially once I start learning my extra track too.
I also found out today that I'll be appearing as Tracy at the Philadelphia Zoo on October 25th for "Boo at the Zoo" -- so come on down and see me in full costume, make-up, hair, the works! I still don't know the details but I guess I'm signing autographs, taking pictures and promoting the show.
Not really much else to report for today! More shadow-ing tomorrow...
I also found out today that I'll be appearing as Tracy at the Philadelphia Zoo on October 25th for "Boo at the Zoo" -- so come on down and see me in full costume, make-up, hair, the works! I still don't know the details but I guess I'm signing autographs, taking pictures and promoting the show.
Not really much else to report for today! More shadow-ing tomorrow...
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Good Morning, Walnut Street!
The day has finally come! Today was the first day of rehearsal at WST, and it was lots of fun!!! It was really cool to finally be at the Meet and Greet as an actor and not a staff member. It felt like I had somehow crossed over. It was also great just to see so many familiar (smiling) faces.
The cast seems so great already. A lot of the actors are making their Walnut debut, so that is really cool. I love that we have such a young and enthusiastic group. As Chuck (our director) spoke about his plans for the show, I started to get really excited just to be a part of it. As frustrating as these last 2 years or so have been, reading sides and singing songs for this character, I have grown to love the show and know it pretty well. But this is a whole different level and I am excited to actually be working on it instead of auditioning, researching, etc.
We got to see some of the sketches of the set, as well as a model and it really looks cool! After seeing so many sets on that stage and how different the space can look, I must say that this is even more amazing than anything I have seen there so far. I can't believe I'll actually get to see these visions come to life!
One thing I came to realize right away is just how difficult my role will be, for many reasons. In all my years of training and performing, I have never known what it is like to be an understudy. This is such a great learning experience for me because it requires an extraordinary amount of focus, motivation and self confidence. Because of the demanding nature of this role, I am forcing myself to really shadow her through rehearsal long before my understudy rehearsals begin. I'm also just learning a lot about Tracy and about the show that I couldn't have even imagined before -- and it's only the first day!!!! Having the folks from the Tour is really helpful in that respect, and they are all so valuable, especially for someone like me who is understudying and learning an extra track as well. It's also hard for me to get used to not singing or speaking in rehearsal. It seems like everyone is working so hard, singing away while I silently observe. This is something I am sure I will get used to as time goes on, but again it is so strange to be hearing all the music and not singing along.
I'm so glad I'm taking the time to write down all these thoughts -- I hope as rehearsals go on, I can keep up with it a little bit and have some kind of record of this experience! Back to the '60's I go...
The cast seems so great already. A lot of the actors are making their Walnut debut, so that is really cool. I love that we have such a young and enthusiastic group. As Chuck (our director) spoke about his plans for the show, I started to get really excited just to be a part of it. As frustrating as these last 2 years or so have been, reading sides and singing songs for this character, I have grown to love the show and know it pretty well. But this is a whole different level and I am excited to actually be working on it instead of auditioning, researching, etc.
We got to see some of the sketches of the set, as well as a model and it really looks cool! After seeing so many sets on that stage and how different the space can look, I must say that this is even more amazing than anything I have seen there so far. I can't believe I'll actually get to see these visions come to life!
One thing I came to realize right away is just how difficult my role will be, for many reasons. In all my years of training and performing, I have never known what it is like to be an understudy. This is such a great learning experience for me because it requires an extraordinary amount of focus, motivation and self confidence. Because of the demanding nature of this role, I am forcing myself to really shadow her through rehearsal long before my understudy rehearsals begin. I'm also just learning a lot about Tracy and about the show that I couldn't have even imagined before -- and it's only the first day!!!! Having the folks from the Tour is really helpful in that respect, and they are all so valuable, especially for someone like me who is understudying and learning an extra track as well. It's also hard for me to get used to not singing or speaking in rehearsal. It seems like everyone is working so hard, singing away while I silently observe. This is something I am sure I will get used to as time goes on, but again it is so strange to be hearing all the music and not singing along.
I'm so glad I'm taking the time to write down all these thoughts -- I hope as rehearsals go on, I can keep up with it a little bit and have some kind of record of this experience! Back to the '60's I go...
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