The Women: The last few Months

Well, I've been busy. "The Women" is in tech week, so I don't even have much time now to put all my thoughts together.

The rehearsal process went well, other then juggling all the many conflicts modern life causes. We had two cast members drop the show two weeks ago, but that was quickly covered - by existing members of the cast and a few new faces. A little stressful, but I'm pleased with how well everyone is pulling together and getting it done.

The set is coming together, as is the set dressings, the furniture and the costumes (the costumes are beautiful) We have so many talented people in the cast, they are amazing also. There's been some bumps, of course, but I'm confident the pieces will all come together.

Tonight's rehearsal was smoother then Monday & Tuesday in so many ways technically, but the wear of exhaustion is starting to show with the cast. We finished early - as we needed to work on set and furniture pieces - so I've got my fingers crossed the cast will get some rest and will be refreshed and ready to go tomorrow night.

I'm running sound for this run - we have some fun sounds, although it can be a challenge to take notes for my actors, hit the sound cues and respond to questions all at the same time. Performances will be easier as both questions and notes will not be as intensive. To quote Cole Porter "you cross your fingers and hold your heart ... another opnin'n of another show!"

The Process: Sound of Music Call backs

Sound of Music call backs were today despite the snow & bad weather. We had a few new people to audition as well. I am still amazed by the number of talented young people we had. Call backs ended up being just the children, as most of the adults just fell into place. It also didn't run over as much as both of our other audition days did - Mostly that was because we had fewer people.

Last night I had trouble falling asleep because I was thinking about the show and casting and all the amazing choices we had. I put together my thoughts on how I thought we should begin the really hard process of making some final decisions. This morning I was glad I had that time ... so I was able to offer my suggestions and things went smoothly and quickly today.

I think today went well - It was wonderful to get to spend more time with the candidates. Some stepped it up and were even more amazing then previously and others had a more difficult time then we expected. I'm sure part of it was being in a room full of people (instead of in a smaller room with just five of us. Friday & Saturday it was just the director, myself, the stage manager, the musical director and an accompanist) Today was in front of all of us, the parents and the other candidates. That can be harder or easier, depending on experience and comfort level. Personally, I like it, because it gives me as an actor an audience, and I love an audience. However, I know it can make things much more scary for others.

It also went a lot more in depth, looking at harmony and if people could hold a part. There's a lot of harmony in this show, so holding parts is essential. We tried many many different combos of children - trying to spend as much time as we could with each and giving them an opportunity to shine. Today was easier in a lot of ways because I felt we were better able to concentrate on each candidate. It still ended with lots of difficult choices and discussion, but I'm pretty confident in the final result. I think we will have an absolutely amazing cast, and I am looking forward to getting to know everyone better, as well as working with such wonderful talent.

Everyone who auditioned will be responded to shortly, if they haven't heard already, and the cast will be announced on the 90 Miles Off Broadway website.

I want everyone that auditioned to know that I want to see them again at the next audition - every one! I wish the Von Trapp family had 20 children, so we could have cast more - unfortunately there is only 7 called for in the script.

The Process: Sound of Music Auditions

I am absolutely speechless.

We have had nearly 100 people come to auditions for the Sound of Music in the last two days. I wanted to write an update last night, but got home much too late and much too tired to do so.

We have had some absolutely amazing talent. Almost every single audition was breathtaking in one way or another. We had enough to cast several shows. I wish we could cast more people since we would have no trouble doing so. Today after auditions we decided on callbacks.

Deciding was very difficult. I'm looking forward to tomorrow and taking another look at our choices. We'll be doing more vocal work since harmony is so important in this show, and readings. Tomorrow will end with more really difficult choices.

That's the hardest part of the process on the production side for me. I always wish we could cast more people then we can.

However, given the caliber individuals we have for the cast, this production of Sound of Music should be incredible.

I want to say thank you to all the amazing, energetic, talented people that came to audition. I'd love to see you all at future auditions - and I'm sure I will.

Sound of Music Audition - Update

Location Update!

Auditions for "The Sound of Music" on Friday, January 16th, 7 to 9PM and Saturday, January 17th, 1 to 3PM will be held in the Social Hall, downstairs at The Reformed Church of New Paltz on Huguenot Street.

Help with the production (since I know not everyone wants to be on the stage)
Also needed are people to help out in all aspects of production such as making costumes and painting and building sets.

I look forward to seeing everyone there!