One Week Down!

Well, I finally got through Week One of my rehearsals for Oliver! It has been quite the whirlwind, and I am so satisfied at how much the cast and production team has already accomplished.

Firstly, I love the cast! Everyone is incredibly talented and dedicated. It is such a refreshing change to be in the company of performers who are adept at everything - whether it be singing, dancing, acting....everyone is truly an asset to this production. The first day (last Monday) was so exciting. Most of us had been keeping in touch and connecting with each other via Facebook, so once we all were assembled in the room, it was like we knew each other anyway, so all of the hugging and recognition began immediately. What was really a comforting moment for me, was meeting the production staff, and seeing how nice and welcoming they were. Vince Pesce, our (amazing and accomplished) choreographer, was especially amazing to me, as he came up to me, knew my name, and gave me the biggest and warmest hug, and welcome. Not to quote my character Mr. Bumble, but...."It was NICE to be appreciated...."

Music rehearsals immediately began, and we surprisingly, got through most of the big prodcution numbers such as "Oliver!", "Food, Glorious, Food", the old workhorse "Consider Yourself" and "Oom Pah Pah" and "Who Will Buy" in a matter of about an hour and a half, and reviewed until lunch. Then after lunch we staged one of my characters' big numbers, "Oliver!" which was exciting. The staging for that number is very funny and well done, and I wish I could see how it looks from an audience's perspective.

Tuesday and Wednesday were pretty much individual rehearsals for specific characters in the morning, (i.e. Bumble, Corney, Oliver, and The Sowerberrys) and then dance rehearsals in the afternoon. We plowed through the choreography and staging for "Consider Yourself" and "Oom Pah Pah" which both look great, and "Who Will Buy" which has beautiful staging.

I also worked on pretty much all of my solo vocals earlier in the morning too, which was very fun for me. Being that Oliver, and Mr. Bumble have been huge staples in my childhood memories, being able to rehearse "Boy For Sale" for a national tour of this production, is like a dream come true. Needless to say, I got a little emotional after rehearsing it.

Thursday through Saturday entailed staging and framing more scenes, and eventually putting Act I together. By the end of the day Saturday we had 3/4 of the show staged, if not more, and we will be ready to start doing some run-throughs early next week.

Again, this is all incredibly exciting for me. I have also just found out about all of my travel arrangements, and hotel accomodations, and I am freaking out as the reality of me leaving for months has hit, and the realization that there is still so much more for me to do in my personal life before I leave! AAAAAHHH! Anyway, it will all come together. I also want to thank my friends from the RTC, Susan Jasper and John Gillece for the wonderful going away present of Jersey Boys. It was phenomenal. I can't believe I hadn't seen it yet....it was wonderful, not to mention excellent seats! 5th row center! Thanks guys....it meant a lot, and I will miss you!

Well, till next time......