Tech and how we did.

1) The top of the play. How to get the fellas into position.
Problem solved - simply. Thunder in the blackout and the fellas find themselves perfectly.

2) Switching from rehearsal props to regular. We have a ton of things for the fellas to do at the tea room: fold napkins,
It was not a problem. Never felt that there was a slow down.

3) Haven't worked with lighting designer stuart duke. We'll have to find our rhythm. But I know he's lit this show before - so unless he has some radical ideas we should be ok.
He's smart and gets it. Working with him was just great. There are limitations to the equipment here, but I feel that he managed to create a great look and atmosphere.

4) Sound of rain. I don't want it to overwhelm our chums.
Sound was definitely my bugaboo here. First we had wall to wall, and it put me to sleep, then we had intermittent rain, and it sounded like mistakes. Today, taking the artistic directors note - I put it solely when Hally walks in and when he leaves. It works. looking forward to seeing it in context.

5) The rain and the sink. Let's pray that stuff works for real and doesn't make too much noise
The rain is a problem and will continue to be one. We added some plastic sheets to the windows and it helps create some texture - and traps the water in.

6) The actors' voices. Will we understand em?
We do.

7) Will the costumes be too hot - particularly for guiesseppe.
Not at all.

8) The chairs that are set up downstage: will they screw up the sightlines?
Easily solved.

9) Wendell and the floor. How's that gonna go?
No worries

10) The actors having two days without me. That's gonna be fine.
It was.

Opening Night of MASTER HAROLD

Last night was the first preview. And for whatever reason, I just wasn't feeling it. But my job is to figure out the reason. It seemed like the audience dug it - but on an intellectual level, not on an emotional. My job is to make them feel it, experience and contemplate it. And I think that's what's changed for me in the move from the rehearsal hall to the stage.

I think I've identified the problem - and it ain't just the technical woes. I think it has to do with how the character of Hally behaves and how he is perceived. He cannot seem spoiled or bratty or racist. He must be troubled and sympathetic. Clifton is a tremendous actor and for him it is merely a matter of making small adjustments to an already deepened approach to the role. As we worked it today, I knew we were on the right track and just needed to make small alterations.

Today in tech: I gave actor notes, we added rain to the door entrances and exits and added better thunder to the top of show.

I have given up on the idea of visible rain...it's just outside our capabilities.

Tech Begins

Heading back from the weekend away. Excited to get to tech. Tomorrow is a ten out of twelve. Dinner, provided, lasts from 5-7.



I've never been very good at keeping my journal - let alone a blog - when it comes time for tech. I guess that in some ways is when the greatest mental energy is exerted in a way. So maybe I just get zonkered.



Concerns for tomorrow:

1) The top of the play. How to get the fellas into position.

2) Switching from rhearsal props to regular. We have a ton of things for the fellas to do at the tea room: fold napkins,

3) Haven't worked with lighting designer stuart duke. We'll have to find our rhythm. But I know he's lit this show before - so unless he has some radical ideas we should be ok.

4) Sound of rain. I don't want it to overwhelm our chums.

5) The rain and the sink. Let's pray that stuff works for real and doesn't make too much noise

6) The actors' voices. Will we understand em?

7) Will the costumes be too hot - particularly for guiesseppe.

8) The chairs that are set up downstage: will they screw up the sightlines?

9) Wendell and the floor. How's that gonna go?

10) The actors having two days without me. That's gonna be fine.

These are the main concerns tonight

Nudity and a spit in the face

This summer I’ve had to stage two shows with a degree of nudity. The first was LONESOME HOLLOW, the only show that Lee Blessing has ever required nudity for. And that was delicate getting Andrea ready to remove her bra. She did great – and I think every one in the room handled it with great aplomb.

 

For Master Harold, after Hally’s racist joke a bit a “nigger’s arse”, Sam shows him his ass. And yesterday, after putting on his pants and waiter jacket, Guiesseppe added nudity to the proceedings. He did the mooning and, probably because we know it’s coming, the act doesn’t seem nearly as jarring as I would have thought.

 

Neither does the spitting. But we have had to have a few spitting clinics. I think what makes it so horrible is how effortless it is. Initially, Clifton added something like a running start. His legs even flew into the table from the follow through. Nope. To me, it’s simply a turn, getting firmly into place, calling Sam’s name (suckering us into thinking its an attempt at rapprochement), and then a spit, expressionless. I think that’s the score. And I know Clifton will do it…

 

Still having major trouble with Wendell’s groan. He wants to make it into something like a cry for help. And it simply takes away from our reaction if he does it that way. Getting better, but not at all what I think the story requires.