Boarding the train

We were all excited on Monday, because we were finally able to get into our ultimate performing space, the Little Theatre, only to find that it is impossible for us to rehearse on the set for the current production, Dancing at Lughnasa, sad to say. So yesterday morning I made a lot of phone calls, scrambling for alternate spaces for all our rehearsals until the Lughnasa set is struck on May 6. I was pleased by the wonderful cooperation I found from Congregation Beth David and St. Stephen's Church, both of whom readily extended our use of their spaces.

It was a good thing, because it enabled us to have another full runthrough last evening, even fuller this time with the addition of the choreographed numbers. Every runthrough teaches me a lot about what still needs the most work. What I learned last night is that I need to go into the ensemble scenes and block more specific moves for the ensemble members, who need more to do to be really present in the scene. I intend to spend a whole rehearsal on that next week. That said, the show is gaining momentum. The music is generally in very good shape, and some of the actors are beginning to find a comfortable zone to inhabit that just works every time they get on the stage. Great progress is also happening in terms of costumes and props. We preview five weeks from tomorrow, and I think we have time to get into good shape for that goal.