Hey peeps! Sorry I haven't updated in a while. Its been a bit of a whirlwind the last few weeks. Here's an update: I am still (thankfully) working in the Twin Cities. No word on the tour gig, so I'm assuming they went with someone else....because the scheduled date to leave is tomorrow, and I am not about to jump on a plane with 12 hours notice. While this was an extremely attractive position for me, I fully realize that I am a baby music director at this point in my life, and joining a national tour would be a huge risk for the current cast/production AND the rest of my career. I mean, what if I couldn't hack it? How depressing would that be? Show up and realize halfway through the first show that I can't actually play the stride piano part in "Be Our Guest"...(which, in reality, I DON'T THINK I CAN ACTUALLY DO). Shambles, I tell you.
In other news. I did the reading of the musical "Deal Dammit" about two weeks ago and had an absolute blast! The rehearsals were held in a studio space downtown and then the reading itself was held in the "historic" Music Box Theater in Minneapolis, which I had never been to. When we got there, we did a quick (two hour) review of all the trouble spots in the score and went over the technical details for the reading. Then the producers bought us pizza (which, in case you didn't know, is my all-time favorite food. Yes, I am six years old and I'm okay with it). For the performance, they thought we would have between 50-60 people. The final count that I heard was about 160, so we were all very excited to have so many people come out to see our little project! The performance went really well and I am so grateful to have met all the people in the cast. The highlight of the experience was definitely working with the director, Lisa Weaver. This is because she was my prof for my Audition Techniques Lab in college. Lisa is truly a lovely human who is a blast and a half to work with, and I probably learned more from her about practical theater things than I did from any other person during my four years of study. Its people like her that make four hour rehearsals fun and quick! I certainly hope to work with her again in the future!
New show! I was just hired to music direct the Grinch musical for a company called Youth Theater Workshop. We did the casting last week and rehearsals start on Tuesday. I usually don't like doubling up on shows, but with the economy what it is, I don't think I will be in the position to turn down work anytime soon. Not to mention the fact that I am a typical guy and all the way suck at multi-tasking. The only two things that I can do at the same time are sing and play piano. And that is only useful in....well.....hardly ever. I'll try my best!
And now for the current goings-on: Zombie Prom.
I love this job so freaking much and I couldn't have asked for a better long-term project! I get along with almost everyone in the cast and I have actually gotten pretty close with a few of the students. They are all so talented and friendly and I am so glad that they welcomed me into their family with open arms. I have two weeks left with them and then its on to the next big thing, so I'm sure I'll be grateful for the Grinch when I am mourning the loss of my Roseville buddies. Anyway, we had our first audience for the show last night for an open rehearsal/preview, and as such things often happen, every technical element that could have gone wrong, did.
We have ten mic packs that had been working perfectly for the last week that suddenly couldn't find the frequency of the sound board. The keyboard that I play during the performances suddenly couldn't be wired into the house sound system. The light board cut out during the first company number. And yet, the cast did a valiant job of carrying on with the show and telling the story. Some true professionals in the making, if you ask me. I was beyond proud.
We now have one more week of rehearsals before opening night and we are in terrific shape as of right now. After some last minute vocal touch-ups, some dance review and some scene study, this will be a really stellar performance.
I also want to write about me recent trip back to Luther College and I am also doing a recording session with one of my favorite pianists this week, so be looking for another update soonish! Until then, smile! It makes life better - trust me!
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