Little Johnny Jones opened last night.
All I'm going to say is that it lived up to all the expectations I had gained through peeping in on rehearsals...
Yep.
So Treasure Island rehearsals start on Monday.
How amazing is that????
I am excited to get started just so we can get the blocking over and DONE with.
Ugh.
I don't think anyone really likes blocking....
It is so tedious.
Plus, everytime we've done blocking in the past (as an assistant Director), I couldn't give real notes.
AND I HATE THAT!
I want them to start thinking about volume and emotion always!
However...
I know they have get the blocking first.
THEN, the REAL acting can begin...
UGH.
We'll be blocked by the end of February...
That may change depending on how these first two weeks go....
And by change I mean we may be blocked sooner than that and have moved on to doing rehearsals act by act...
We WILL be COMPLETELY blocked by the end of the month.
My actors will know their blocking by the end of this month.
Hopefully they will know their lines too.....
One might think that is pushing it a bit, but I know for a fact it can be done.
I had to memorize 120 lines in a two week span to fill in for Junia a few years ago.
And last year, I had to learn a part in Pinocchio.
I found out Tuesday and had to do the character Friday.
It can be done!
And I'm going to work with all of them to learn their lines.
These people will either love me or hate me...
Then, as soon as Little Johnny Jones is finished, I'm going to tear that theatre apart looking for costumes, props, and set pieces.
I really want to be prepard ahead of time so the actors can get used to using their props and working around a set.
I'm even planning on making/building a camp fire.
AUGH!
It's going to rock if I can get it just right.
Another thing I need to learn is DELEGATION.
I'm going to be very hands on with everything, but I need to remember that I have a lot of people willing to help.
Plus, James will need stuff to do.
lol
I'm going to ask him to find Pirate-y music to play during before and after the show, and during intermission.
I've already to everybody that we're all getting together on the 28th for set building and painting.
That's going to be fun.
Showing posts with label Little Johnny Jones. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Little Johnny Jones. Show all posts
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Friday, February 6, 2009
It starts.....
Tonight is opening night for Little Johnny Jones.
FINALLY.
I say that because we wanted to take the girls to see it last week, and had to postpone.
That is the worst thing in the world to me, cancelling or postponing plans with Madison and Grace.
Because they NEVER forget...
Ugh.
BUT, I think we're going to take them this Sunday.
YAY!
Another reason I'm pleased that the show is starting is the sooner they get started and over with, the soooooooooner I can really dive into Treasure Island!
THAT will be thrilling.
I'm going to go nuts with costuming and everything right away.
Oh yeah.
We're going to get EVERYTHING done early.
THEN, everyone is going to get together on the 28th and we're going to build the set and start painting.
And when everyone leaves, I'm going to paint the stage.
I'll probably have someone like mom with me just because I don't fancy staying by my lonesome in the theatre....
It can sometimes prove to be a little spooky....
BUT that's another story entirely.
Now, I'm off to the Tuscan Table with an ability to convince strangers that I love it when they call me Ma'am, and a pocket full of dreams....
FINALLY.
I say that because we wanted to take the girls to see it last week, and had to postpone.
That is the worst thing in the world to me, cancelling or postponing plans with Madison and Grace.
Because they NEVER forget...
Ugh.
BUT, I think we're going to take them this Sunday.
YAY!
Another reason I'm pleased that the show is starting is the sooner they get started and over with, the soooooooooner I can really dive into Treasure Island!
THAT will be thrilling.
I'm going to go nuts with costuming and everything right away.
Oh yeah.
We're going to get EVERYTHING done early.
THEN, everyone is going to get together on the 28th and we're going to build the set and start painting.
And when everyone leaves, I'm going to paint the stage.
I'll probably have someone like mom with me just because I don't fancy staying by my lonesome in the theatre....
It can sometimes prove to be a little spooky....
BUT that's another story entirely.
Now, I'm off to the Tuscan Table with an ability to convince strangers that I love it when they call me Ma'am, and a pocket full of dreams....
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Today's auditions
Auditions were today.
It was awesome, with the exception of a few hiccups.
One of the younger kids (7 years old) got up and did her monologue and whatnot, but, when it came time to read, her sister announced that she didn't want to read BUT she still wanted to be in the show.
If they show up tomorrow, I'll try and get her to read.
Otherwise, I can't cast her.
I mean, it wouldn't be fair to the other kids who went through the entire audition process and whatnot if I did cast her....
I hate that, but I have to be fair.
The second hiccup came about 5-10 minutes before we wrapped it up.
First, I heard the whirl of the lift as it started up, and I knew it had to be Susan, who's directing Little Johnny Jones.
As I tried to figure out why she would be there, James and I shot each other a look.
Then, her and Robert came around the corner, down in front of the stage.
Keep in mind, there were kids on the stage getting ready to read as they entered.
Then Susan made her way up the center aisle as Robert stationed himself right in front of the stage, and began flipping through one of the scripts stacked on the edge of the stage.
Then, as I had the kids begin to read, he STAYED THERE.
When the children finished, Robert turned to me and said, "Tahrea, is there a part that for me to read for?"
My mind was reeling as I tried to stay poised.
I was furious at the way they entered, but I couldn't be as rude because I had 30 faces boaring into my own as he asked....
So, I simply answered, "Sure Robert; you can read something."
I had three or four kids go back onstage with Robert, had them read a scene, and wrapped up the auditions...
We had started around 2:30 and it was then 4:30, and I could tell parents were getting restless.
Now, it wasn't their presence that made me-no us, James, Vera, Mom, and I- angry...
It was the fact that they came in soundly and literally RIGHT in the MIDDLE of everything.
I wouldn't have minded if Robert had grabbed a script then had a seat, or asked to fill out an audition sheet.
BUT he didn't...
And I could see the kids onstage at the time were slightly put off by it.....
Argh.
THEN, as mom and I tried to get our stuff out of the box office, we discovered that after Susan went into the office, she had LOCKED the door.......
with our purses and KEYS inside.
DOUBLEARGH!
Luckily, Junia and James got the window shutters to the box office open, and I was able to climb in and unlock the door.
PHEW!
BUT, the show must go on.
And if they come back tomorrow, I will kindly ask Robert to fill out an audition sheet and do a monologue like everyone else, lest I appear to be unfair to the other potential actors.
It was frustrating, but I'm not going to obsess over it.
Stuff happens.
And, like I said, the whole process went really well.
:o)
I'm really pumped to see what tomorrow night holds....
hopefully James' fears will be in vain, and the auditions won't suffer because of the superbowl....
Hopefully....
It was awesome, with the exception of a few hiccups.
One of the younger kids (7 years old) got up and did her monologue and whatnot, but, when it came time to read, her sister announced that she didn't want to read BUT she still wanted to be in the show.
If they show up tomorrow, I'll try and get her to read.
Otherwise, I can't cast her.
I mean, it wouldn't be fair to the other kids who went through the entire audition process and whatnot if I did cast her....
I hate that, but I have to be fair.
The second hiccup came about 5-10 minutes before we wrapped it up.
First, I heard the whirl of the lift as it started up, and I knew it had to be Susan, who's directing Little Johnny Jones.
As I tried to figure out why she would be there, James and I shot each other a look.
Then, her and Robert came around the corner, down in front of the stage.
Keep in mind, there were kids on the stage getting ready to read as they entered.
Then Susan made her way up the center aisle as Robert stationed himself right in front of the stage, and began flipping through one of the scripts stacked on the edge of the stage.
Then, as I had the kids begin to read, he STAYED THERE.
When the children finished, Robert turned to me and said, "Tahrea, is there a part that for me to read for?"
My mind was reeling as I tried to stay poised.
I was furious at the way they entered, but I couldn't be as rude because I had 30 faces boaring into my own as he asked....
So, I simply answered, "Sure Robert; you can read something."
I had three or four kids go back onstage with Robert, had them read a scene, and wrapped up the auditions...
We had started around 2:30 and it was then 4:30, and I could tell parents were getting restless.
Now, it wasn't their presence that made me-no us, James, Vera, Mom, and I- angry...
It was the fact that they came in soundly and literally RIGHT in the MIDDLE of everything.
I wouldn't have minded if Robert had grabbed a script then had a seat, or asked to fill out an audition sheet.
BUT he didn't...
And I could see the kids onstage at the time were slightly put off by it.....
Argh.
THEN, as mom and I tried to get our stuff out of the box office, we discovered that after Susan went into the office, she had LOCKED the door.......
with our purses and KEYS inside.
DOUBLEARGH!
Luckily, Junia and James got the window shutters to the box office open, and I was able to climb in and unlock the door.
PHEW!
BUT, the show must go on.
And if they come back tomorrow, I will kindly ask Robert to fill out an audition sheet and do a monologue like everyone else, lest I appear to be unfair to the other potential actors.
It was frustrating, but I'm not going to obsess over it.
Stuff happens.
And, like I said, the whole process went really well.
:o)
I'm really pumped to see what tomorrow night holds....
hopefully James' fears will be in vain, and the auditions won't suffer because of the superbowl....
Hopefully....
Monday, January 26, 2009
Not my play, not my problem....
It is the 27th...
Auditions in four days.
WOW.
I realized yesterday that I could now use one hand to countdown the days...
fantastic stuff....
I went to check on the box office earlier, around 8 pm.
They were rehearsing, so I peeped in to see how the show was faring, and whether it had improved from last week.
...
...
...
Um...
Yeah.
I, once again, left the theatre, chanting, "Not my play, not my problem.. Not my play, not my problem..."
It didn't help.
My biggest problem is this...
The first scene I saw involved a group of kids, mostly girls, from ages 6 to.... 9 maybe.
They were playing bellboys at a hotel.
And they were doing a stellar job, a harsh juxtaposition to that of the adults in the scene.
There is also a group of older girls, 8th-11th graders, who were doing an equally fabulous job at their parts, thus outshining the adults.
I'm not saying this out of bias for the kids.
I love the majority of the folks in the play.
I'm saying this because it angered me because these kids put their hearts and souls into whatever production with which they are involved, and I know it won't matter a hill of beans because the adults kept messing up.
Depsite my personal opnions, I honestly pray that a miracle takes place before Friday...
Two days.
Because not one child had a script in his or her hand, but several adults held scripts and paper onstage, or just didn't know their lines and blocking.
It's very disheartening especially since some of the kids involved are brand new to RTP, and theatre itself.
This being their first exposure to theatre makes it even more sickening to me....
Those kids are the future of our theatre community.
Whatever rules and example we instill in them now will be carried for years to come.
I just would hate to see this play become yet another black spot to mar RTP's reputation in our small community, what with the drama of GREASE last year...
No wonder no one wants to do a musical...
What a mess.
But, as I said...
I'm praying for a miracle.
Auditions in four days.
WOW.
I realized yesterday that I could now use one hand to countdown the days...
fantastic stuff....
I went to check on the box office earlier, around 8 pm.
They were rehearsing, so I peeped in to see how the show was faring, and whether it had improved from last week.
...
...
...
Um...
Yeah.
I, once again, left the theatre, chanting, "Not my play, not my problem.. Not my play, not my problem..."
It didn't help.
My biggest problem is this...
The first scene I saw involved a group of kids, mostly girls, from ages 6 to.... 9 maybe.
They were playing bellboys at a hotel.
And they were doing a stellar job, a harsh juxtaposition to that of the adults in the scene.
There is also a group of older girls, 8th-11th graders, who were doing an equally fabulous job at their parts, thus outshining the adults.
I'm not saying this out of bias for the kids.
I love the majority of the folks in the play.
I'm saying this because it angered me because these kids put their hearts and souls into whatever production with which they are involved, and I know it won't matter a hill of beans because the adults kept messing up.
Depsite my personal opnions, I honestly pray that a miracle takes place before Friday...
Two days.
Because not one child had a script in his or her hand, but several adults held scripts and paper onstage, or just didn't know their lines and blocking.
It's very disheartening especially since some of the kids involved are brand new to RTP, and theatre itself.
This being their first exposure to theatre makes it even more sickening to me....
Those kids are the future of our theatre community.
Whatever rules and example we instill in them now will be carried for years to come.
I just would hate to see this play become yet another black spot to mar RTP's reputation in our small community, what with the drama of GREASE last year...
No wonder no one wants to do a musical...
What a mess.
But, as I said...
I'm praying for a miracle.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
A night of minor setbacks.....
So.The director, Susan, offered me the role of Florabell so and so....
NOT Goldie...
Goldie's best friend.
John said he thought I was being a bit of a diva because I said I wasn't going to do LJJ because I didn't get the part for which l auditioned.
AND I've decided to audition for The Tempest with Rosebriar.
They still need actors for the play, and I'm just free enough to do it.
lol
I'm cool like that.
I posted my last blog, like many others, on my myspace blog.
My mother commented on it....
I adore this woman.
"Regan truly was a pivotal point for your career as an actor; one that will open new emotions and perspectives for you. Your performance of Regan was beyond the mundane and it doesn't suffice with a descriptive "you were wonderful"...coming down from that high only to be met with a small supportive role or extra in an obscure, unknown musical is an adjustment, to say the least. You would do greatly in whatever role you play...but, what do I know; I'm just your greatest fan."
Friday, November 28, 2008
Life's a Funny Proposition
I am about to do the unthinkable.
Well, not unthinkable...
Well...
Okay, I'm auditioning for another play.
And mom isn't totally pleased.
As usual.
BUT, I'm only auditioning for one role.
HA!
Oh, it's Little Johnny Jones.
A musical.
At RTP.
Chances are, I'll get a part.
I wonder how good my chances are that I'll get the part for which I'm auditioning....
Here's a synopsis of the play, in case you are wondering....
A brash, patriotic American jockey, Johnny Jones, goes to England to ride his horse, Yankee Doodle, in the English Derby. Jones falls in love with Goldie Gates, a San Francisco copper heiress, who follows him to Britain, disguising herself as a man to discover if Jones really loves her. Anthony Anstey, an American who runs a Chinese gambling establishment in San Francisco, offers Jones a bribe to lose the race deliberately, but he refuses. After Jones loses, Anstey spreads rumors that he threw the race intentionally. Jones' detective, pretending to be a drunkard, searches for evidence to clear Johnny's name and finds out that it was Anstey that framed Jones. Jones tells his friends who are returning to America, "Give My Regards to Broadway," but he stays in London to try to regain his reputation. Jones returns to America with his name cleared, eager to propose marriage to Goldie, but he finds that Anstey has kidnapped her. He and his detective search for her in San Francisco's Chinatown, eventually finding her.
It sounds cute.
And the character I want, Goldie (Surprise surprise) is a Alto-Mezzo Soprano AKA MY RANGE!!!
AHA!
Here's a song list:
The Cecil in London - Jenkins
They're All My Friends - Timothy D. McGee
Mam'selle Fauchette - Goldie Gates
'Op in the 'Ansom - Cabbies and Reformers
Nesting in a New York Tree - Florabelle Fly
Yankee Doodle Boy - Johnny Jones
Off to the Derby - Company
Girls from the U.S.A. - Florabelle Fly
(Sailors of St. Hurrah - Sailors
Captain of a Ten Day Boat - Captain Squirvy
Goodbye Flo - Goldie Gates
Good Old California - Henry Hapgood
A Girl I Know - Johnny Jones and Goldie Gates
Give My Regards to Broadway - Johnny Jones
March of the Frisco Chinks - Company
Life's a Funny Proposition - Johnny Jones
Should be fun.
I think I'm gonna sing "Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man."
Same solo I used for my LTOB audition.
I just know if I don't get Goldie, the director will probably want me to be an extra or whatever to help with singing.
NOT.
It would be cool to be a leading lady for once...
Seriously.
Lord knows I've got the Diva mentality down.
I've used it enough times.
Just not in the musical sense.
Regan was just chalk full of it at times.
(AW, I miss Regan....)
This leading lady is probably a goody-goody one though.
THAT will require some acting on my part.
Not that it will be a problem or anything.
LOL...
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
ARGH! I be excited....
I must say how impatiently I am waiting for the new year to come.
Well, I guess part of me really hates seeing time fly by so fast.
The other part of me can't wait for January, and for the adventure of Treasure Island to commence.
I'm am all a twitter preparing for my first stab at directing, and I am uber excited to work with another children's production.
As of right now, I am reading up on the back story of the story of Treasure Island, so I can be ready with tons of fun little facts about Robert Louis Stevenson and whatnot.
I'm also looking at different costume designs and trying to figure out what an 18th century doctor would wear.
http://anniescostumes.com/eighteen.htm
http://www.beavton.k12.or.us/jacob_wismer/fourth/colonies/clothing.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Treasure_Island
http://www.ucl.ac.uk/histmed/people/academics/wear
For a moment I actually considered setting the play in modern time.
HA!
Silly me.
Where is the fun in that?
I've already got my set design, prop list and character list.
I've broken down the scenes and sound cues.
Now all I need to do is get my sounds.
And cast.
And props.
And everything else that goes with a children's production.
Man, just talking about it gets me all crazy excited....
But I have to wait through this production, Playing Away.
And the next production, Little Johnny Jones.
THEN!!!
THEN my dream will come true!!!!!!!
AGH!
So excited!!!!
Well, I guess part of me really hates seeing time fly by so fast.
The other part of me can't wait for January, and for the adventure of Treasure Island to commence.
I'm am all a twitter preparing for my first stab at directing, and I am uber excited to work with another children's production.
As of right now, I am reading up on the back story of the story of Treasure Island, so I can be ready with tons of fun little facts about Robert Louis Stevenson and whatnot.
I'm also looking at different costume designs and trying to figure out what an 18th century doctor would wear.
http://anniescostumes.com/eighteen.htm
http://www.beavton.k12.or.us/jacob_wismer/fourth/colonies/clothing.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Treasure_Island
http://www.ucl.ac.uk/histmed/people/academics/wear
For a moment I actually considered setting the play in modern time.
HA!
Silly me.
Where is the fun in that?
I've already got my set design, prop list and character list.
I've broken down the scenes and sound cues.
Now all I need to do is get my sounds.
And cast.
And props.
And everything else that goes with a children's production.
Man, just talking about it gets me all crazy excited....
But I have to wait through this production, Playing Away.
And the next production, Little Johnny Jones.
THEN!!!
THEN my dream will come true!!!!!!!
AGH!
So excited!!!!
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Be careful of what you do before the lie becomes the truth....
Tears for Fears' song "Mad world" is randomly going through my head right now...
Just thought I'd share that.
As I sit here drinking the remains of my fourth glasses of Arbor Mist, I realized something....
I didn't get but five minutes from the rest of the cast before the depressive mood set in.
You know, that sad longing and realization that it is all over...
Our last production was tonight.
We tore down the set.
We gathered up the props and costumes.
We rode back to Groveport.
We kissed and hugged.
We all went our separate ways...
I felt alone.
Abandoned.
Without a home to call my own.
Well...
Part of me does.
The other part of me is happy to get back to my version of a normal life.
I'm glad to get back to have free evenings and whatnot, but, honestly, I'll still go through withdrawal.
I'm left with a void.
Ugh.
I hate this feeling.
Luckily, I have my sights set on auditions for "Little Johnny Jones" within the next month, and I'll be able to go see a couple of shows before then, so I'll be able to satify part of my need for theatre.
PART of it....
Sweet Rick Moore is in LTOB's production of "Blithe Spirit" and Danielle, who played Goneril, will be in Raconteur's "Mom and Pop."
YAY!
Plus, I'm preparing for my "Treasure Island" adventure which starts in January.
I can't believe it is only a few months away.
Time flies so fast when one isn't paying attention....
Still, I shall miss my friends and cast members of "Lear."
I think we all learned a lot about each other and ourselves with this production.
I know I learned a great deal about this production, especially since I knew little to nothing about it when I first auditioned for it....
Now I feel like somewhat of an expert, having gone over and through it so many times.
Man.
What a great show.
We received such great feedback from audience members.
We had a great show.
A great cast.
A great director.
And we all shared a great understanding for the show itself.
Looking back, we really were great together...
Onstage, stage that is....
Not everyone got along during rehearsals and backstage, but I think that THAT actually just added to the show.
*SIGH*
I personally think it was the best production in which I had ever performed.
I shall miss it dearly...
Luckily, I made friends and connections in this productions that shall not be forgotten or severed for a long time...
Whether those involved like it or not.
And now...
I leave you with the words of one of my favorite songs...
When I find myself in times of trouble, mother Mary comes to me, speaking words of wisdom, let it be. And in my hour of darkness she is standing right in front of me, speaking words of wisdom, let it be. Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be. Whisper words of wisdom, let it be. And when the broken hearted people living in the world agree, there will be an answer, let it be. For though they may be parted there is still a chance that they will see, there will be an answer. let it be. Let it be, let it be, ..... And when the night is cloudy, there is still a light, that shines on me, shine until tomorrow, let it be. I wake up to the sound of music, mother Mary comes to me, speaking words of wisdom, let it be. Let it be, let it be, .....
Just thought I'd share that.
As I sit here drinking the remains of my fourth glasses of Arbor Mist, I realized something....
I didn't get but five minutes from the rest of the cast before the depressive mood set in.
You know, that sad longing and realization that it is all over...
Our last production was tonight.
We tore down the set.
We gathered up the props and costumes.
We rode back to Groveport.
We kissed and hugged.
We all went our separate ways...
I felt alone.
Abandoned.
Without a home to call my own.
Well...
Part of me does.
The other part of me is happy to get back to my version of a normal life.
I'm glad to get back to have free evenings and whatnot, but, honestly, I'll still go through withdrawal.
I'm left with a void.
Ugh.
I hate this feeling.
Luckily, I have my sights set on auditions for "Little Johnny Jones" within the next month, and I'll be able to go see a couple of shows before then, so I'll be able to satify part of my need for theatre.
PART of it....
Sweet Rick Moore is in LTOB's production of "Blithe Spirit" and Danielle, who played Goneril, will be in Raconteur's "Mom and Pop."
YAY!
Plus, I'm preparing for my "Treasure Island" adventure which starts in January.
I can't believe it is only a few months away.
Time flies so fast when one isn't paying attention....
Still, I shall miss my friends and cast members of "Lear."
I think we all learned a lot about each other and ourselves with this production.
I know I learned a great deal about this production, especially since I knew little to nothing about it when I first auditioned for it....
Now I feel like somewhat of an expert, having gone over and through it so many times.
Man.
What a great show.
We received such great feedback from audience members.
We had a great show.
A great cast.
A great director.
And we all shared a great understanding for the show itself.
Looking back, we really were great together...
Onstage, stage that is....
Not everyone got along during rehearsals and backstage, but I think that THAT actually just added to the show.
*SIGH*
I personally think it was the best production in which I had ever performed.
I shall miss it dearly...
Luckily, I made friends and connections in this productions that shall not be forgotten or severed for a long time...
Whether those involved like it or not.
And now...
I leave you with the words of one of my favorite songs...
When I find myself in times of trouble, mother Mary comes to me, speaking words of wisdom, let it be. And in my hour of darkness she is standing right in front of me, speaking words of wisdom, let it be. Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be. Whisper words of wisdom, let it be. And when the broken hearted people living in the world agree, there will be an answer, let it be. For though they may be parted there is still a chance that they will see, there will be an answer. let it be. Let it be, let it be, ..... And when the night is cloudy, there is still a light, that shines on me, shine until tomorrow, let it be. I wake up to the sound of music, mother Mary comes to me, speaking words of wisdom, let it be. Let it be, let it be, .....
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