We rehearsed in the city last night . . . back at Theaterlab. That place kind of feels like home, we spent so much time there in Feb/March. It has really nice large rooms and it's inexpensive . . . and Carlo is a champ. Sure beats that place we were in last week; yeah it was nice and all, but it sure was cramped for our purposes.
I ran the show with Bette again yesterday morning; I'd love to be word perfect on this thing, and I'm tantalizingly close to that, but I don't want that to get in the way of spontaneity; as long as I'm in the moment and things are going well, I'm not going to beat myself up about being syllable for syllable perfect. having said that, both Bette and Wallace have called me on some places in the script where I have gotten too used to saying things a certain way, when the way they are in the script is stronger. So being no dummy I will listen to these two and do my damndest to get it right!
Rehearsal went extremely well. It was focused on the grandparents stuff and transitioning. Wallace is a wonderful director; he sees things with fresh eyes and he never is a pain. You gotta love him.
We talked about next week in Woodstock. Not sure how many nights I'll spend up there and how many I'll commute, but rehearsing for hours can sure take it out of you . . . I'm thinking I'll spend a couple of nights up there, then come back here for one then a couple more up there, and then come back Friday night to take Bette up for the party on Saturday. None of that matters all that much, it's the work. And I am enjoying it more than I can say. I feel like I'm in my element . . . and that is a nice place to be!
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Monday, July 26, 2010
The calm before . . .
We rehearse again Wed. and Thurs. and then after that . . . it's moving up to Woodstock! Wow. It's been a slog waiting to get going, but once we get rolling the train ain't ever gonna stop . . . then it'll be over before you know it! That's something that'll be a bummer . . . when it's over. BUT! A look on the bright side may be called for: this time last year I had no idea any of this could be happening, let alone being the centerpiece of this year's festival. Mind blowing that's for sure.
It's been and will continue to be fun; and when it's over it'll be something that I will have and that will live with me forever; and that's good enough really when you get right down to it. It's all about living in the moment, being alive to experience what's going on around you, being on stage with people actively listening is life on the razor's edge, and it sure is addictive.
So anyway, I ramble. I can't wait to get this baby rolling and to see what happens up there . . . should be fine . . . and I feel ready for it. I've been working lines in some problem places. Working them with Bette, her with the book, and pointing out problem spots - especially places where my writing is better than the shortcuts I have gotten into the habit of using. The biggest problems are a couple of the new things, again, nothing that would be a terrible thing in performance, but if I can make it sing instead of hum, why not make it sing?
It's been and will continue to be fun; and when it's over it'll be something that I will have and that will live with me forever; and that's good enough really when you get right down to it. It's all about living in the moment, being alive to experience what's going on around you, being on stage with people actively listening is life on the razor's edge, and it sure is addictive.
So anyway, I ramble. I can't wait to get this baby rolling and to see what happens up there . . . should be fine . . . and I feel ready for it. I've been working lines in some problem places. Working them with Bette, her with the book, and pointing out problem spots - especially places where my writing is better than the shortcuts I have gotten into the habit of using. The biggest problems are a couple of the new things, again, nothing that would be a terrible thing in performance, but if I can make it sing instead of hum, why not make it sing?
Saturday, July 24, 2010
My poster works!
Just had a guy stop his bicycle in front of my house and tell me he saw my poster on a window and wanted to talk about it. If I had a buck for everyone that has seen the darn thing I wouldn't have to get a job! It's been great. Don't know if it'll mean traffic to the show itself, but it can't hurt, if for no other reason than awareness. A lot of industry types live in this area and who knows what may/could come of it.
Be that as it may, it has been getting noted!
I worked OH again yesterday . . . went very well . . . it's amazing how much more relaxed I am about it with the spectre of no job eliminated. That's a biggy. At least now I know that after the show is over, I won't be languishing on unemployment waiting for something to happen. And if something DOES happen with the piece?
Hey. That should be something I have to worry about.
It's hard to describe just how excited I am about this. But I guess I've said that before, non?
I've been constantly going back to the script to make sure as much of it is word perfect as possible. Especially focusing on the tale of the oak leaf . . . I think that is a special moment and I want it be be moving, deep and lovely. So I can't be fumfering around for lines . . . I have to know it inside out; I'm sure it will be there by opening . . . Amazing to think that in three short weeks it's all over but the shouting . . . wow. And how about that last perf. being on the day we take Laurette to Bennington? If I was a betting man, I'd put my money on that performance being a hum-dinger! And then it's over . . . what a trip it has been! Then what'll I blog about? Oh, I'm sure I'll think of something!
Be that as it may, it has been getting noted!
I worked OH again yesterday . . . went very well . . . it's amazing how much more relaxed I am about it with the spectre of no job eliminated. That's a biggy. At least now I know that after the show is over, I won't be languishing on unemployment waiting for something to happen. And if something DOES happen with the piece?
Hey. That should be something I have to worry about.
It's hard to describe just how excited I am about this. But I guess I've said that before, non?
I've been constantly going back to the script to make sure as much of it is word perfect as possible. Especially focusing on the tale of the oak leaf . . . I think that is a special moment and I want it be be moving, deep and lovely. So I can't be fumfering around for lines . . . I have to know it inside out; I'm sure it will be there by opening . . . Amazing to think that in three short weeks it's all over but the shouting . . . wow. And how about that last perf. being on the day we take Laurette to Bennington? If I was a betting man, I'd put my money on that performance being a hum-dinger! And then it's over . . . what a trip it has been! Then what'll I blog about? Oh, I'm sure I'll think of something!
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Holding pattern
Sort of. Wallace is in Atlanta this week for work related activities, so I'm left to my own devices. I did make some of the changes we talked about at our previous rehearsals, mostly stuff to streamline some of the new material. Most of the changes do make sense. And it does seem to flow better, so what more could you ask for? It is a bit confusing in running the lines to try to remember what is still here and what is gone, but it keeps me on my toes!!!
The piece is probably gonna come in around fifty minutes or so, which isn't what I'd wanted, but I can't see beefing it up just to beef it up, and at this stage of the game better to go with what we have I suppose. So unless something springs up and says 'use me or else' I think it's pretty much where it's gonna be.
Wallace copied me on an email from someone he approached about music prior to the show. It's very good bluegrassy stuff and would be a good fit. I guess Wallace thinks it's more of an evening with a bit of padding, and I can't say I blame him; if people are paying $25 bucks I guess a fifty - fifty five minute piece isn't gonna do it.
I was bemoaning my failure to make it longer . . . I had wanted an hour . . . but Bette reminded me about Beckett and some of his pieces that run less than a minute! So essentially a play will be the length it's supposed to be. This is a fun piece and I think people will enjoy it. I know they did at OMT, and I don't think any of my additions will serve to screw it up! I jest of course. I think the additions add some very good stuff: some humor, some depth. It's very satisfying from my end, and that's why we do this stuff isn't it? If it doesn't make me happy then what is the point?
I'm working on finding the trajectory of the piece. I know of course what the journey is, but I broke it down yesterday into large sections and could visualize how the arc of the play progresses. It really does take you on a journey and I have to have it in my head, rock solid, what that journey is and why I'm taking the audience on it and all those other actor questions. That's my big work this week: to get my intentions and actions down and all that other foundation work. If I'm clear on all that and have the play I have . . . we should really rock it!
The piece is probably gonna come in around fifty minutes or so, which isn't what I'd wanted, but I can't see beefing it up just to beef it up, and at this stage of the game better to go with what we have I suppose. So unless something springs up and says 'use me or else' I think it's pretty much where it's gonna be.
Wallace copied me on an email from someone he approached about music prior to the show. It's very good bluegrassy stuff and would be a good fit. I guess Wallace thinks it's more of an evening with a bit of padding, and I can't say I blame him; if people are paying $25 bucks I guess a fifty - fifty five minute piece isn't gonna do it.
I was bemoaning my failure to make it longer . . . I had wanted an hour . . . but Bette reminded me about Beckett and some of his pieces that run less than a minute! So essentially a play will be the length it's supposed to be. This is a fun piece and I think people will enjoy it. I know they did at OMT, and I don't think any of my additions will serve to screw it up! I jest of course. I think the additions add some very good stuff: some humor, some depth. It's very satisfying from my end, and that's why we do this stuff isn't it? If it doesn't make me happy then what is the point?
I'm working on finding the trajectory of the piece. I know of course what the journey is, but I broke it down yesterday into large sections and could visualize how the arc of the play progresses. It really does take you on a journey and I have to have it in my head, rock solid, what that journey is and why I'm taking the audience on it and all those other actor questions. That's my big work this week: to get my intentions and actions down and all that other foundation work. If I'm clear on all that and have the play I have . . . we should really rock it!
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Back in!
Last night was the first rehearsal after the looonnnggg layoff. It felt good ultimately, though it was touch and go at first. Let me be clear about that, the touch and go part was the actual initial run of the lines . . . I felt like it was just the words without anything behind them and that's because it was . . . it's a readjustment after doing it mostly in my living room with the poodle in attendance, to be in a rehearsal studio with Wallace there. Wallace, as always was uber supportive and didn't let me wallow in excuses or my self deprecation too much . . . he's a champ that one. So we rehearsed last night and again tonight then we're not in next week as he is away somewhere (vacation I hope, he's had a tough year) then we resume the week of the 26th either in the city or Woodstock. Aug. 2 we definitely relocate to upstate!
I can't wait to see where this goes this time around. there is so much more we can play with, making the living space reflect the character, stuff like that . . . should be interesting to say the least. I have a funny feeling this is the deep end of the pool . . . I thought that about One Man Talking, but this time out we really get to take the scalpel and see what lies under the skin. The lion's share of the work is on me . . . I have to break this thing down into beats and intentions which I got sort of lazy with last time . . . but this time I can't afford to be lazy. I have to know what I'm doing and why I'm doing it every step of the way . . . and Wallace is never shy about pressing my feet deeply into the fire and holding them there.
One thing that will be very nice is to have the space upstate to work with, and for an extended period of time!
So it's good. It's exciting. I feel like we're in decent shape because of the work I've already done with integrating the new stuff into the whole . . . and now it's off to the races!!!!
I can't wait to see where this goes this time around. there is so much more we can play with, making the living space reflect the character, stuff like that . . . should be interesting to say the least. I have a funny feeling this is the deep end of the pool . . . I thought that about One Man Talking, but this time out we really get to take the scalpel and see what lies under the skin. The lion's share of the work is on me . . . I have to break this thing down into beats and intentions which I got sort of lazy with last time . . . but this time I can't afford to be lazy. I have to know what I'm doing and why I'm doing it every step of the way . . . and Wallace is never shy about pressing my feet deeply into the fire and holding them there.
One thing that will be very nice is to have the space upstate to work with, and for an extended period of time!
So it's good. It's exciting. I feel like we're in decent shape because of the work I've already done with integrating the new stuff into the whole . . . and now it's off to the races!!!!
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Well I have been back for a few days, but haven't taken the initiative to post anything, so here goes!
I really felt apprehensive about Old Hickory after my WV visit. I hadn't gotten the chance to really work on it for several days in a row, and that is highly unusual! Not many days have gone by since January without a run through of this thing .. . but my concerns were unfounded. I came back and worked it some and today got a good solid run in, so I'm feeling fairly confident . . . and really looking forward to rehearsals. It's just a few days over a month until we open up there in Woodstock (I love the sound of that . . . performing my play in Woodstock!!!!!!!) I'm sure things are going to get rolling pretty soon so it'll be like a juggernaut with a life of its own . . . what a wave to be swept into! I'm still pinching myself . . . and I have to be sure to appreciate every second every nuance of the process from here to close. I'm very proud of the piece and what it has become . . . and I am ecstatic about the opportunity to act in it . . . that may sound weird, but if I could pick a dream role this would be it: an earthy guy with a little wisdom and a little humor . . . and more than the hint of danger. Who could ask for anything more? Which . . . I guess . . . is why I wrote it ;>)!
And I get to perform it seven times over two weekends . . . what an honor (not to mention having Wallace invite me to the festival, who could imagine this shit? Ok so it's not The Public Theater, but hey I'm happy!) As Bette reminded me the other day, this is my first major production outside of twenty minute one-acts . . .
About future venues: I saw an ad on Playbill.com for a new theater looking for solo shows . . . preferably performed by the writer! Ok, so I bit . . . they said it's a new theater called the CP Playhouse or something . . . they want shows that will run for 3-4 weeks in the fall . . . I went for it. Big time. I sent the script as they requested, I also sent both acting and writing resumes AND the powerpoint presentation about OH. That powerpoint piece is very well done if I do say so myself . . . I think it's the kind of thing most writers don't think to do . . . actually, I'm sure a lot of people have DVDs of their work which is probably even better. That is something I have to explore with Wallace. I'd love to get a recording of this.
I'm also starting to rev back up for the new piece, I'd love to finish a draft of it by the end of July. I have other ideas as well: I'd love to be able to research and write about the Kanawha book protest in the early seventies . . . rife with possibilities. There is also an idea I stumbled upon while in WV. I saw a story about a woman who had her husband exhumed and kept him at her home for twelve years or something . . . talking to him and caring for him . . . twisted stuff . . . and then when her twin sister died a couple of years ago, she collected her body too! I have some ideas for that one . . . but I haven't done anything about it yet . . . I should probably make some notes just so I don't forget any ideas!!!
That's it for now.
I really felt apprehensive about Old Hickory after my WV visit. I hadn't gotten the chance to really work on it for several days in a row, and that is highly unusual! Not many days have gone by since January without a run through of this thing .. . but my concerns were unfounded. I came back and worked it some and today got a good solid run in, so I'm feeling fairly confident . . . and really looking forward to rehearsals. It's just a few days over a month until we open up there in Woodstock (I love the sound of that . . . performing my play in Woodstock!!!!!!!) I'm sure things are going to get rolling pretty soon so it'll be like a juggernaut with a life of its own . . . what a wave to be swept into! I'm still pinching myself . . . and I have to be sure to appreciate every second every nuance of the process from here to close. I'm very proud of the piece and what it has become . . . and I am ecstatic about the opportunity to act in it . . . that may sound weird, but if I could pick a dream role this would be it: an earthy guy with a little wisdom and a little humor . . . and more than the hint of danger. Who could ask for anything more? Which . . . I guess . . . is why I wrote it ;>)!
And I get to perform it seven times over two weekends . . . what an honor (not to mention having Wallace invite me to the festival, who could imagine this shit? Ok so it's not The Public Theater, but hey I'm happy!) As Bette reminded me the other day, this is my first major production outside of twenty minute one-acts . . .
About future venues: I saw an ad on Playbill.com for a new theater looking for solo shows . . . preferably performed by the writer! Ok, so I bit . . . they said it's a new theater called the CP Playhouse or something . . . they want shows that will run for 3-4 weeks in the fall . . . I went for it. Big time. I sent the script as they requested, I also sent both acting and writing resumes AND the powerpoint presentation about OH. That powerpoint piece is very well done if I do say so myself . . . I think it's the kind of thing most writers don't think to do . . . actually, I'm sure a lot of people have DVDs of their work which is probably even better. That is something I have to explore with Wallace. I'd love to get a recording of this.
I'm also starting to rev back up for the new piece, I'd love to finish a draft of it by the end of July. I have other ideas as well: I'd love to be able to research and write about the Kanawha book protest in the early seventies . . . rife with possibilities. There is also an idea I stumbled upon while in WV. I saw a story about a woman who had her husband exhumed and kept him at her home for twelve years or something . . . talking to him and caring for him . . . twisted stuff . . . and then when her twin sister died a couple of years ago, she collected her body too! I have some ideas for that one . . . but I haven't done anything about it yet . . . I should probably make some notes just so I don't forget any ideas!!!
That's it for now.
Sunday, July 4, 2010
big shock
this'll be a big shock but I won't be able to post anything after today until the end of the week as I'm off to WV for a few days. I'm back up to working on my environmental tragedy/comedy. I'm really enjoying doing it and my initial impetus was re-stoked by seeing 'Gasland', which is just tragedy/no comedy. So I feel like I'm on to something but I won't know until I finish it so the work continues. As long as it's fun, what more can you ask for?
I am pretty much finished with rewrites and learning lines for Old Hickory. Looks like we'll start rehearsing when I get back . . . well the following week anyway. I was gonna try to do it Thurs. but as that's the day we're driving back and I'll probably be zonked it might not be such a good idea.
It's July 4th, which means we have a month and a week basically until we open, we're gonna have to get it on, but from my end we're in good shape . . . or decent shape at least. I'm running lines daily and it's going well so who could ask for more?
Happy 4th!
I am pretty much finished with rewrites and learning lines for Old Hickory. Looks like we'll start rehearsing when I get back . . . well the following week anyway. I was gonna try to do it Thurs. but as that's the day we're driving back and I'll probably be zonked it might not be such a good idea.
It's July 4th, which means we have a month and a week basically until we open, we're gonna have to get it on, but from my end we're in good shape . . . or decent shape at least. I'm running lines daily and it's going well so who could ask for more?
Happy 4th!
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