I simply must report on our all afternoon play practice!  First, you have to understand that they've all been practicing for 5 - 6 weeks with the shell of a cast.  The minor roles, for some strange reason, this time being unusually hard to fill.  Tonight was the first time for the whole cast (minus one minor role) to be together on stage & in costume.

Performance wise, there were some obvious weaknesses which, I'm certain, will be worked out this week in the various practices leading up to another all day rehearsal on Saturday. 

What's interesting to me is the "energy" of each of the cast members.  One might also call it the "motivation" of each one.  We each come from different places and real jobs - if you count delivering pizza a real job.  The female lead is an teen crisis counselor!   A performance is built on the technical aspects of learned lines and blocking, but it's the chemistry that seals it and makes it work ... or not.  I want to tell you that this group of people are wonderful!  I mean, as actors go, we're not ready for Broadway, but ... it's FUN, and it will be entertaining, maybe even thought-provoking!

And then there's the naked guy!  Yup!  I didn't realize it when I committed myself, but there is a brief nude scene.  (I'm not sure how I feel about that, but ... I'm committed now and really don't want to back out on them.)  I said as long as it's not me, we're cool!  It's very, ummm, awkward to be introduced for the first time to a young man in lovely white briefs!  lol  I thanked him for his transparency and willingness to be up front with me ... as long as I didn't have to reciprocate! 

The point is, this group of people have embraced me and whatever semblence of talent I bring ... I believe this just may be the first of many theatrical adventures, but we'll have to wait and see. 

~ B