Sound check

Last night we had a good-sized audience for our sound check at the Little Theatre, and the evening was most productive, in two ways. First, having an audience for the songs created some nervous energy that I reminded the cast afterwards can be very useful when it comes time for our official performances. I said, "Use that energy. Convert the feeling that you might throw up into an opportunity to have fun." The audience was wonderfully supportive and helpful, and I think we learned a lot about what we need to do not only for our show but for all future musicals at the theatre. Second, we created some buzz among a big group of people who will, we hope, spread the word. Of course I took the opportunity to invite everyone to get his ticket if he didn't have it already! As they left, many in attendance commented to me that the show is going to be great, and this was based on a choreography-free, costume- and set-free, and pretty-much-just-standing-and-singing rehearsal. Into the bargain, I got to "play" the role of Winnie, who was absent. For the duet "Who Do You Love, I Hope," it was a real performance, a very unusual experience for me, since I hadn't acted (for an audience) in decades. I had a blast!