April 19 Notes - CLS

First off, I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE how you guys have really turned on your characters in the last few weeks.  Every time I look around on stage, I see some great activity going on away from the main action.  I’m going to mention a few of them – but, really, you are all doing a great job.  Ellen – your Edith is terrific.  Your actions while Kitty is doing her routine are spot on.  Great job!  James and Brendan – your shenanigans during Never Gonna Give Up crack me up.  Sarah R. – I really like how Kitty sneaks on stage to send out her message. 

I was also struck while watching the Scene 31 video at how awesome it looks when the Taylor Sisters emerge.  It gave me goosebumps. 

There was some miscommunication between Clintonville High School and myself, but we will definitely have sound and lights on Tuesday.  Whew!!  We will also hopefully have a standing microphone on the bandstand.  Tiny Tappers – you’ll need to say your lines introducing yourself into the microphone.  Harmony Brothers, you’ll also need to introduce yourselves into the mike, then huddle around it to play your song.

We’re still having some problems with some of you not facing the audience to say your parts.  Try to always keep that in mind.

In Scene 14 (hypnotism scene): Girls in back (Macy & Naomi, I think) you can move in a little more to watch the action.    I have a note – girls in front of instead of in back of table – I’m not sure if I was referring to you two or not.  But if there are other hostesses standing behind a table, you can move to the other side.   Guys off to the side, you can move in about 1 ½ feet.  Angie is going to be moving from the right to center stage after “Did I do anything I should be ashamed of?” – be sure there’s room for her to get through.

Scene 16:  Hermione – I’ll try to get one of the brown magazines on the stand for you to hold while the other 2 hold the Life & Liberty mags.  I want their magazines to stand out.

MP’s – I’m still loving the tango!!!!

I was able to see the black curtain rustling around at different times while people were walking around in back – that’s a big no-no.  Steer clear of the curtain as you’re moving around.

When the MP’s are leading Kilroy away – exit off to the side, not the front of the stage.

Edith – the mop & bucket left standing were getting in the way a little.  Maybe you could have the mop & bucket in your first scenes, and then just the mop & dishpan later on, so it would be easier for you to carry off.  Or else - maybe one of the fellas could be a gentleman and help you carry something off.

Scene 20 – Female agents – I want you to enter from the same entrance as the jukebox will come in, so you’re not entering from the front and then moving back.  Lucy & Rebekah, you can move over to the center back, so you’re not blocked by the agents.

Agents – not quite so giggly about the aprons, ok?

Scene 26 – I like the idea of the agents picking up the pieces to follow Kilroy’s trail, but it’s not looking like that’s what is happening.  We need to tighten this up.  It looks like Micayla is picking up litter while the other agents are going after the bad guys.  Let’s try this:  Only have one piece of paper on the floor – go over the doodle so it’s extra dark.  Micayla comes in first and picks up the paper,  to inspect it, trying to hold it up so the audience can see the doodle.  When she sees what it is, she beckons the rest of you to come in to make the arrest.  It’s going to be very important to get the timing right on this, because if too much time is spent on it, we’re going to lose the effect and it’s just going to come across as sloppy.   Maybe as Hermione says “Food for fish”, Micayla could come in and finish up with all of the picking up, looking at it and motioning the others as Hermione is finishing up with “I’ll spread a rumor he’s a deserter.”  Does that sound ok?  We’ll try it on Tuesday, and see how it goes.  Remember – Don’t dawdle over the doodle! J (Try saying that 3 times fast!)

Scene 27 – Those of you in the background – try watching the musicians more.  You can watch them, visit with the people next to you, watch the musicians (or dancers), etc.    Riveters – when the microphone is on the stage, you can gather around it to sing. 

That’s it for now. Again, great job everyone!  I’m proud of each and every one of you and I really enjoy watching you.  These are all little points that are going to move this play to a top notch level!

Okay, now I’m going to watch Witness for the Prosecution.