First full runthrough

Tonight we had our first full runthrough, off book and with full music. We haven't added choreography yet; that process will begin next week, and, I must say, we are ready for that step. This runthrough was extremely encouraging. We got through the entire show in two hours and twenty minutes, which means that, with the inevitable tightening up that will come with further rehearsal, the show shouldn't exceed two and a quarter hours, with intermission . . . at least that is our goal. It was particularly fine, because we were in a brand new rehearsal space tonight, and so the cast had to adapt to it as well as perform the entire show. Lacey and Jeff are very fine as Annie and Frank, and even more inspiring than their talent is their dedication; they've learned everything so completely that they barely had to ask for a line. Their few duets are really fine--spine tingling, actually. And the sound of the ensemble on the big numbers is great. With the recording of the ensemble songs to double the sound of the chorus, it should be very good indeed. In fact, I told the cast afterwards that we are closer to being ready with the music than with the scenes. So my work is cut out for me, but I feel up to the challenge, and, with seven weeks until we open, comfortable that our time will be ample to accomplish the goal. We also took a bunch more head shots tonight for the program. I wish I had them to post here, but Ron (Jack-of-All-Trades) took them on his camera, so I must wait to receive the CD from him. Stay tuned for a picture or two of some of our players.