I'm So Proud! *sniff*

GREAT show last night!  Best ever!  It helps having a large audience, doesn't it?  It really brings out the best in you.  

Just a few "constructive criticism" things:

• We can still be a bit louder.  For the first act, I had the music too loud for your voices.  Sorry about that.  (I think we had a better balance for Act II.)  Speaking lines though, still could use a little more "oomph".  A couple of spots that I noticed need to be louder are some of the Translator's lines, although "You need a bigger door," was perfect.  The audience loved it.  And Morgan, in Scene 7 you will be loud enough if you make sure to keep your face to the audience the entire time.  It was only when you looked down at the papers on the desk that I couldn't hear you.
• Some characters need to s-l-o-w  d-o-w-n their lines.  Brandon, Evan, and Henry ~ your volume was good, but some of your lines were too fast.  Remember, the audience is hearing these lines for the first time, so do them a favor and slow down a bit.  Thank you!  (I know that some of your speaking lines are during songs, so you have to go quickly.  On those parts, make sure you speak extra clearly instead.)
• On "Lock, Stock, and Barrel" (verse 3), the words were all good except for some folks are singing "please buy it all" when it should be "please buy the lot".  Nick, I was a hair late for your "By at least one bob."  Sorry.  I'll be quicker tonight.
• Artists ~ a little too much acting in Scene 11 (blowing your noses and such).  Keep doing what you're doing, but just bring it down a notch.  It was merely a bit distracting from the main part of the scene.  Thank you.
• Thugs ~ wonderful job overall on "Pilferin' Porcelain".  Sometimes you were rushing the words on the chorus just a little bit.  Keep your ears open for the music so it's easier to keep in time, okay?  You are still the cutest thugs around.  = )

May I repeat myself, though...what a GREAT show!  I'm so proud of you all!  Last night, I did much less analyzing of the show, and much more of sitting back and enjoying your performance!

Did you hear how the audience loved the parts with the boat?  And Koong-Se's ditzy-ness in thinking Chang was IN the boat?  Nicely played.  Good recovery between "Drink a Cuppa" and the reprise (Maddi, Juli, Ethan, Sloane).  Emma, excellent job adopting the "mustache" lines.  You were loud and clear.  Best ever on "All You Need Is Cash"--singing AND speaking lines.  Well done.  Constable, I liked how you didn't try to talk over the rustling sound of the packing paper when you were digging for the plate.  You waited to speak, and we could hear you loudly and clearly.  Ethan, the Bergmanns were saying they liked how you fell at the gunshot part.  (I was busy looking at the computer screen then, but they said it was great.)  And how about those stage hands and Puff the Dragon during curtain call?  = )

One more thing I'm proud of is outside of your "stage time".  Yesterday, it warmed my heart to see all of you being friends.  It doesn't matter your age--everyone can play Ninja.  Smiles and encouraging comments are everywhere.  Hugs?  Plenty!  I think I am most proud of how you all love each other.  What a beautiful picture of the Body of Christ.  You overwhelm me at times--in such a good way.  = )

You are "a very dedicated group of workers."

"Thank you one and all."