Notes for Lock, Stock & Barrel

I’d like everyone in Lock, Stock & Barrel to go through these notes with either your script or a score in your hand, or while you’re watching the video.  Practice making these gestures as you’re going through, so you’ll know what you should be doing by Thursday. 

I couldn’t see everyone on the video, so if you’re already doing some of these things, I apologize.

Remember – Dancing at work with a Frenchman is fun!  The audience needs to see that you’re enjoying yourselves!

Leading up to Lock, Stock & Barrel:  If Mrs. Kluge gave you different instructions, do what she said.  But, we do need to see some expression and reaction from you!!!

 Workers, Artists, etc. – as you’re entering, you’re not hearing the conversation that Barnes, Gilbody & Parimutuel are having.  You are very interested in who this Frenchman could be, though.  Be sure to look surprised that he’s there.  Gesture to the person or people next to you.  You can be wondering what they’re talking about – Who is this man and his henchman?  How might he this affect your job?  Will this fine fellow suddenly start tap dancing? etc.

You’re all kind of surprised when Katherine brushes him off, because you think he’s fascinating.

Reactions when Jo sniffs Parimutuel:

Artists – you’re amused.  It’s not ‘haha’ funny, just hand to the mouth funny.

Regular workers – you’re scared

Beatrice & Elizabeth – You think it’s gauche, classless.  Look disdainfully.

Artists and workers have the same reactions when he jumps on the bench.  Beatrice & Elizabeth, look surprised.

When Parimutuel starts dancing and BEFORE you join in:

Beatrice and Elizabeth are impressed

Barnes & Gilbody think this is a mighty fine fellow to sell their company to

Ann – you’re supporting Katherine, but you can’t help sneaking a few peaks at this Frenchman

Albert & Caulk can nudge each other because you know what he’s up to

Camellia and Cordelia can eye each other suspiciously because you don’t trust him

Artists – I’m not sure – we could try having you very gently tapping your feet like you’d like to dance along – we’ll have to see if that’s too distracting

When Barnes, Gilbody & Parimutuel are discussing the price, you should all be interested – this affects your living.  When Gilbody says it’s not enough, you can all look disappointed – except Katherine, Camellia and Cordelia (you can look relieved)  Ann – you’re trying to be supportive of Katherine, but you’re still disappointed.

When Caulk is singing his lines, everyone else (except Katherine, Camellia and Cordelia) can be nodding along, even swaying a little.  Ann – you sometimes nod, then you look at Katherine and stop, etc.  All of you - When Caulk finishes, he’s saying that you’ll be tossed out on the streets with the moulds.  You should be horrified!

But then, when Parimutuel guarantees your jobs, you should all look visibly relieved – do something like wipe your brow, sigh, nod to your neighbor, etc.

During the discussion about raising your pay- have your hands just past shoulder length apart when you say guinea, just inside of shoulder length apart at pound, and about neck length apart at bob.  When you say ‘A bob?  Better than nuthin!”, you’re happy about your raise, so show it!

During the final stanza, you’re all excited and happy because this interesting Frenchman is buying your company, guaranteeing your jobs and giving you a raise!!  Have a little extra spring in your step!