As Soon As Impossible

AS SOON AS IMPOSSIBLE by Betty Shamieh.

With only two hours to rehearse, there is very little true direction that can be done. But I thought we accomplished a lot. I made subtle adjustments for our cast, who were terrific: Jamie Farr of MASH fame, Richard Masur of Risky Business fame, Brian J. Smith and Tala Ashe. Jamie is totally a sweet guy and read the older grandfather with a nice intelligence and sweetness. I was most impressed with the adjustment that Tala made from the mini-rehearsal to the performance. Yes! Richard had some nice suggestions that worked well - tiny changes of where and when (or not) to read stage directions. As Betty put it, it's great when an actor invests in an effort that way. It sets a good example for the cast as a whole.

I thought the audience responded favorably - and there were plenty of laughs and even a gasp or two. All in a days work.

It was the first time that the play had been read publicly so it was really exciting for Betty (back from Holland with chocolate in hand) and me.

Tomorrow there's a five minute excerpt to be performed.