Woolly

On my down to woolly mammoth in dc with no child. Its an adventure ahead. And I've just left a big adventure behind me.

I have not seen the woolly space but I've liked the pictures I've seen. A little nervous, as I've been told the set isn't quite finished. Not sure why.

Nilaja's schedule is crazy this week:we have a runthrough tonight, 10 out of 12 tomorrow, followed by 5 more hours of tech monday. First preview is also monday. Gulp! Then she is on continuously through next sunday. Can I figure a way to work with her through tech that isn't too taxing? Let's hope.

The inspiration

Rachel says I mentioned it before, but I finally figured out the ending. Put fidelia on the top of the balcony looking down on the imminent destruction. When the lights go down we linger on fidelia. Lights fade.

Widows the end

Literally, the end of the show. I must say, I am finally pleased. Not totally. Not utterly. But enough. I think its good. Better. If I can get some nice river sound once we're in blackout, then by god we are good to go.

Fifth preview

Last night was the benefit night. Originally scheduled as opening. But I guess that's officially friday.

Still agonizing over the end.

Captain says: men I want the riverbank cleared. We hear a bird then the river makes noises. The women head to the river pull out a body. Then drag it towards the soldiers. They look at each other and dance and sing. Then the show ends.

Er.

The problem is: I have 14 people and seven chairs on stage. Its really hard for the story to reveal itself at that point. And very hard to see a body.

What I envision is a major change: that the women pull a body out and realize that this is just gonna keep happening no matter what the captain does, whether they are alive or not. So - since the river knows - it make sense for me to bring fidelia out and provide a sense of hope for the future. It may feel slightly sentimental. But I have faith its the right choice.

Now how to execute it given that I have no time and not the full cooperation - as is their right, given the nature of a showcase contract - of the company?

No idea. But I will try. I've called the company - those available -for rehearsal at 545.

Practically what it means is that after the scene with the captain and sofia and alexis, that we go right away to the lieutenant entering the scene post blackout. Then what? - the captain wants the river bank cleared.

We go through the song - without words? Then a silence while fidelia comes on stage gives her monologue and walks out. Or stays.

Agony.

But better than before.

Fourth preview

Went well. Pace of the first act is in good shape and act two feels downright breezy.

I have a thought about ending the play. Itd require ariel's blessing, but I think it makes sense. After the body is pulled out of the river, there's a standoff between the women and the men. Rather than going to black, I'd have fidelia come out and deliver her monologue. Perhaps even standing directly in the line of fire.

Hmm.

Third preview

Hey. I am back and boy am I wiped. Yesterday and today were days off, sort of.

The show is in good shape - and some friends went to see it this saturday and were very encouraging.

I am still agonizing over details - specifically, the opening moments (even the preshow), the end of act one, and the end of the show. I am sure this is fairly common. And I know its a common theme for me.