April 11 Rehearsal Notes

Reminder:  Next practice is TUESDAY at 12:30!  Everyone should be ready to go by 12:30!

Aaahhh!  It’s coming together.  I think each one of you stepped up your game to some degree, and it showed.  We’re still a little sloppy, and have some areas to work on, so don’t get lazy!  But, overall, nice job, everyone!

I’m not able to notice everyone and point everything out, but I am singling out the people I particularly noticed.  If I don’t mention you by name, it doesn’t mean you weren’t doing a good job as well.

In Thomas, Morgan and Krista stood out to me – nice job with your lines.  Emma & Evan also did very well, as did the artists – Micayla, Marie and Savanna. 

Morgan & Krista - your Beatrice & Elizabeth are fun to watch!  

Erica and Nora – I liked your reactions to Jo!

Workers in general – remember some of the instructions Mrs. Kluge has given about being blocked.  If you see someone is directly in front of you, that means we can’t see you.    We want to be able to see you!  Shift your position so we can see you.

Maddi & Juli – you two work very well together.  You’ve been on top of your characters since the beginning of rehearsals, and keep adding to them.  It’s been fun to watch.

Buddy & Seth – you’re also a fun pair to watch!  There’s nice chemistry between the two of you as comedic partners.

Elena – you look so lovely on stage!  You’ve been a great Koong-Se from the start, as well.

Brandon – it’s good to have you back!  We needed 3 people to fill in for you last week!  Your Chang is spot on, and so much fun to watch.  I loved the ‘nooooo’ as you were being led off.

Families – you did a nice job with your songs!  Try to be even a little louder, so the audience can understand why you’re in trouble (remember, there are going to be a lot of grandmas and grandpas watching who have trouble hearing).

Megan & Gabe – I especially noticed how well and how loud you two were singing.

Maddie F. – good reaction with the tea, etc!  Try positioning yourself a little more to the right so you’re not right behind Tso-Ling and we can see you better.

Coulter, as always, excellent job with your character and delivery of your lines!  You do a great job of selling Tso-Ling!

Ethan & Juli – you did a nice job covering when one of the characters wasn’t on stage!

Emma & Nora – I positioned you too far downstage in Scene 3A.  Sorry about that!  We’ll try to find a good spot for you where we can still see you.

For Shi-Jing – we’re letting Isaiah and Elliot off the hook, and we’re just going to use the younger boys, so you all have matching outfits.  If I have time on Tuesday, I’ll try to put pieced of tape down so each of you boys knows where to stand.

Sailors – be sure to look at the audience while you’re singing!

Michelle – nice singing!

Maddie – good job catching the table when it was going to be caught in the curtain!

Thugs – good job with your song & dance!

For the scene where the workers come in to hit people with plates, etc. – I’ll try to come up with a plan for who enters when & where, etc.

Ethan & Sloane – After Camellia asks how the story ends, let’s try to separate the two of you a little from C & C.  You could take a step right as you’re saying ‘well’, then turn to the audience and emphasize the ‘Mrs.’ As you finish your line.  We might need to play around with that a little. 

Those are all of the notes I have.  Again – everything was much better, but we still have a long way to go! 

Practice is on Tuesday – be ready to go at 12:30!  It took way too long to start this week and to get in places for Scene 1A!  That can’t happen again.  Also, we need to be sure we get out on time.  A school group had to wait for us to leave.  They were very patient, but we need to be respectful of the fact that we’re the ones intruding on their territory.

Notes for Songs from Act 1

I'm a little late to the party here, so if you don't get a chance to read this before tomorrow, that's my fault--not yours.  

For everyone: If the curtain is opening or closing, you'll need to speak up or wait for it to stop moving--if it's not awkward to do so.  Ask a director if you're unsure.

"Thomas"

It was a little tricky with missing a couple of our singers in this song.  That's a good reminder to us though, that if the person before you misses his or her phrase, you should know the song well enough that you can jump in with your lyrics anyway.

Nice dancing, Maddi & Juli.  Remember Mrs. Kluge's advice about looking at the other person's ear to keep from smiling.  = )  I can't help smiling with you, so don't look at me, either.

Once the music is loaded onto the high school's computer, I'll make sure to turn it down during the speaking parts of the song.  With the curtain opening though, it'll still be hard to hear you (Evan & Henry).  Evan, see if you can get to center stage quickly as soon as the curtain starts opening.  It would be good if you can see the audience before you say your lines.  It's very hard to hear you when you're behind the curtain while it's opening.

Sloane, would you sing along with Erica on this line:  "Must they shout?"

Morgan, great job on your "Thomas!" parts--even without Krista.  

Evan & Sloane, I like your "arguing" while the Artists are singing with Thomas.

Sloane, could you hear those little drum beats okay?  I'm hoping monitors will help, once we get them.  That part is tricky.

Artists, it's a little hard to hear you at the end of the song.  You could also try some gesturing on the "we're to blame" part.  Look more apologetic, if you can.

"Lock, Stock, and Barrel"

Mrs. Stuewer did a great job with suggestions on this.  I only have two things to say:

1.  On the group singing--ENUNCIATE.  Your words are a bit mushy.  I could hear the solo words well, though.  

2.  It sounds like you still don't know the last verse (the one with the four "please" phrases).  Go back and practice with your CD until you know it without thinking.  

"Confucius Say" (China Setting)

Families 1, 2, 3 ~ I can tell you know your words (good job!), but they were a little bit mushy.  Make sure you're singing clearly so the audience can understand you.

Seth & Buddy ~ Nice job!  A couple of spots it seemed like you were unsure of the first words in a phrase, so just polish that up a little bit.  I could hear most of your words clearly.  Good enunciation.

Elena ~ Beautiful.

"Drink a Cuppa"

Nice job on the singing, Juli, Ethan, & Maddi.  Girls, when you spin, you'll have to throw your voices to the audience as much as you can.  That curtain soaks up your sound and we lose your words a little.

Juli, I could hear you, but it wouldn't hurt to be a little bit louder.  You have time between your words (tea...for two...) to "belly breathe".  You could try that and see if it helps your volume a bit.  Don't hyperventilate on me though.

Ethan, your voice resonates nicely and adds depth to the trio.  Just watch your vowels.  If it's a little high on that "girl for me" part, you can go back to the original notes (ending on an E instead of an A) so that your vowel stays pure.  Play around with that and see what you like better.  Also, watch your vowel on "sip".  It's not blending with the girls' vowel there.

 Juli & Maddi, start smirking, exchanging glances, nodding, winking when Thomas is fumbling for words after Kathryn's "Who are you marrying?".  Break out in a huge grin when Thomas says, "And you can stop smirking!"  Good job on the reprise. 

"Chasing Dreams"

When the music first starts and you are talking, we'll have the music a little softer.

Good enunciation, Sloane.

Good entrance, Ethan.

Good entrance, Sloane (on talking part).  Nice volume and enunciation while the curtain is closing.  We'll turn the music down some for your talking part.

Ethan, watch your diphthongs here.  When you sing a long /i/ sound (my, eyes, line, I), stay on the "ah" part of it for as long as you can, with just a little bit of the "ee" tacked on at the end.  I like to practice diphthongs in front of a mirror, making sure I keep my jaw dropped for as long as possible on that long /i/.  

Lovely, lovely parts at the end of the song!  Both of you--just beautiful.  = )

"Shi-Jing"

Thanks for filling in, Maddi!  Nice job.  = )

Two things for when you sing "Banished, banished, banished":

1.  Exaggerate the /b/ and /d/ sounds each time.  "BanisheD, BanisheD, BanisheD"  Then it won't sound so much like, "Spanish, Spanish, Spanish".  = )

2.  On your 3rd "BanisheD", keep it very short so that Chang can sing, "life for me!"  The exception to that is the very last time you sing the chorus.  Then you hold out the 3rd "BanisheD".

Whenever you start your step-together dance step again, always go to your RIGHT first.

Peter F. and Gabe, you two do this song well every time--dancing and singing.  Good job.

"All You Need Is Cash"

Nick, I like the snap you added in the first verse.  Nice enunciation and volume throughout the song.  The last couple of times you've switched the first two phrases of the song.  If you think alphabetically--that "bills" comes before "rent" in the dictionary--that might help you. We want "rent" to rhyme with "spent".  That's the only constructive criticism I have for you though.  You do consistently well throughout the musical.  Great job.  = )

Evan, when you're singing, "Someone's got to marry the poor," turn to the audience a little as you're walking--as if you're trying to convince them that poor people are worth marrying too!  Put your arms out a little and shrug while you do this.

The talking part and going into verse 2 was pretty sloppy, but it was much nicer on March 21st, so I think this was just a fluke.  Still, take a minute to polish this up.  Evan, when you tell Miss Chamberlain to go and file, you're annoyed with her for being there.  Sound a little exasperated.  Yell a little.  Shoo her off like she's a pesky fly.

Nice curtsy, Tricia (on "clothes").

"Thomas Reprise"

This is still under pitch.  Go back and practice with your rehearsal CD a few times.  Otherwise, good volume and clarity.

"All You Need Is Cash Reprise"

Good circling around Albert.  Like sharks.  = )

We're a little behind the beat on "as a father-in-law, do you wanna be rich or poor?" (right before your little dance)

Entrance on the slow "As a father-in-law..." part was a little late.

Evan, on the very last "poor", while you're going down on your knee, pull your pockets out to show just how poor you are.  Sort of shake your head, as if to say, "I really don't want to be poor, so I'm going to give in to Mr. Parimutuel."

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!

Videos from April 4th

I have good news and bad news.  The bad news is: I didn't record the entire play.  I had brought an extra camera battery this week, but then my memory card ran out of space!  The good news is: Mr. Green found an extra memory card!  It's only another 15 minutes, but it might be enough.  = )

I'll make a separate post (tomorrow?) of notes--similar to Mrs. Stuewer's. 

If you're unsure about some of your dance steps, go back to older posts with those videos in them.  If you're still not sure, then ask the person who taught the dance when you see them on Thursday, or post a question in the comments. 

Remember to take notes while you watch these.  I'll bring the treats again next week, so bring your notes to show me.  I'll hand out the treats at the *end* of rehearsal next time.  I found a few wrappers laying around the theater.  Please eat your treat outside of the building.  Thanks!  ~ Mrs. Green

Scene 1

Scene 2A

Scene 2B

Scene 3

Scene 4

Scene 5A

Scene 5B

Scene 6

Scene 7

Scene 8

Scene 9 (Song Only)

Scene 9 (After Song)

Scene 10 (After Song)

(I was running out of recording space, so I skipped the song.  Sorry!)

Scene 11 (First minute or so only)

April 4 Rehearsal Notes

Please comment after you've read the notes:

Mrs. Green mentioned this, but we REALLY need the workers to sing louder for Thomas.  The lines in the song are important for the audience to hear so that they can understand what’s going on in the story.  I was standing right at the edge of the stage, and I still couldn’t hear some of you.  Please practice raising your volume!

Now that we have the tea cart, everyone needs to be aware of it and adjust your movements accordingly.  It was a little awkward today.  We’ll talk about this more if it stays an issue.

We need to see some more action in the background when Parimutuel is talking.  Try turning to your neighbor and reacting as he’s speaking.  I’d also like to see more reaction during Lock, Stock & Barrel.  What he and you all are singing about directly affects whether or not you’ll have a job and what your pay will be.  It matters to you, so you should be interested and react.  I’ll try to watch this on the video to have more suggestions for reactions.

Nice discussions amongst yourself after Lock, Stock & Barrel!

Confucius Say -  Families, you did a terrific job on your songs!!  As you’re leaving, though, remember to bow and back up.  Everyone should leave stage right (I know we did it differently at first, but I can see now that it would be better to go stage right).

Elliot – good job on your lines!

People behind the scrim in Shi-Jing:  just a reminder that you need to all come back to sing the final 2 lines of the song.  It should be that Michael goes off the stage and comes right back with the rest of you.

No playing behind the scrim if it’s not part of your scene! 

Handle with Care sounded great!  Gabe and Peter Fuller did an especially good job, but I could tell everyone’s been working on it!  Conner – nice job on your line!

Ann & Kathryn – your consoling each other looked very good!

Sloane – something I should have said from the start:  Your songs are so lovely!  I love watching you sing them!  You’ve been doing a great job with Kathryn from the start, but yesterday you were especially on your game!  Terrific work!

Just before the puppet show – I think we’ll reposition Grace and Hope so you’re not blocking where Feng & Zhong or Chang need to be.

I wrote a note for the shadow players to be sure the sticks were facing you instead of the audience, but I think you corrected it while I was writing.

Good job, Thugs!

Michael – I liked the way you beckoned the thugs to come over to ‘fire’ Thomas!

Isaiah – the audience NEEDS to be able to hear when you say “Stop, I don’t want your daughter for my wife!”  Otherwise, they won’t understand how the story ends.

Don’t worry about correcting someone else on stage – the audience WILL see you doing that.  Just focus on what YOUR character needs to be doing!

Thanks again to Christian, Maria and Maddi for filling in for Brandon.  Thanks to Morgan for filling in Krista’s lines.  Thank you to Elena for being Michelle for the day (sorry, I forgot to mention that at the end of practice).  You all did a great job and helped rehearsal run smoothly!

Hannah Bergmann – You did a super job on the curtain, especially since the script has a number of changes!

There was way too much noise in the background, yet again!  Some of you are guiltier than others.  I don’t want to have to single you out in front of everyone else, but I will do that if necessary.  I will also talk to your parents, if necessary.

Remember – no food in the theater!

Drink a Cuppa Dancers:  Next week please meet @ 11:30 at Bethany Church to go over your dance.

Parasol Dancers:  Next week, please meet @ 11:30 to go over your dance.  I put markers on the stage floor to show you where to stand, but then I forgot to tell you about them!  Please help me remember to show you next week!

Videos from Act 2 ~ March 28th

Hi Gang!  Here are the videos from March 28th.  I got everything but the end of Scene 15, but I'll get it next time.

Remember, if you can show me some notes of what you plan to do to improve your character, then I'll have a reward for you on Thursday.  = )  Start with Act 1 if you're short on time, since that's what we'll be doing on April 4th.  You can find those videos two blog posts before this one.  Edited to add:  We will be starting with Act 1 and will try to do the entire musical.  We'll see how far we get.

Thanks to Christian and Maria for filling in as Chang last Thursday.  Nice job!  = )

One more thing: wear your costume (or at least part of it) this week.  We know that some costumes are being saved until later by Mrs. Conto, but wear what you can.

"Handle With Care"

Scene 9 (after the song)

Scene 10 with "Tell Me"

The last half of this video is a lot of repositioning.

Girls, just remember where you are standing at the end of the song.

You don't need to watch the whole thing.

End of Scene 10 ~ In front of the curtain

Scene 11 with "Now It Falls"

I missed the first few lines in this scene.

From 3:24 to 5:25 there's some repositioning.

You don't need to watch that section--just note where you are at 5:25.

The curtain closes at 8:28--for those of you who finish the scene in front of it.

Scene 12 with "Chasing Dreams (Reprise)"

You may skip from 2:58-4:30 (logistics).

Remember to look at Maddi at the end of the scene.

Scene 13

From 12:15 on happens in front of the curtain.

Little girls, you do not go in front of the curtain.  You will exit the stage behind it.

Scene 14 with "Pilferin' Porcelain"

Scene 15 (partial)

Brandon, I apologize for not having this entire scene for you to watch.

My camera battery died.  Elena & Maria can fill you in.

In case anyone missed it, Mrs. Green posted last week's videos at our youtube channel, TheHomeSchoolPlay, http://www.youtube.com/user/TheHomeschoolPlay.  Be sure to check them out!

Many thanks to the Fregiens for taking care of the T-shirt order - they look wonderful!  Thanks also for the great pictures you took!

As a reminder to everyone, we're starting from Scene One, and we'll be going as far as we can.  Go over your scenes.  Run through them in your mind.  Think about where and how you're standing.  What are the lines leading up to your lines.  Practice your dances!

Some of you are able to speak clearly with an accent, and that's fantastic.  However, the most important thing is to be able to say your lines clearly and loud enough for the audience to hear.  I know I must sound like a broken record, but it doesn't matter how funny your line is, how terrific your dance steps are or how well you sing, if people can't understand what you're saying.  It's no fun being in an audience and not understanding what's happening on stage.  If you can, practice saying your lines in one room and seeing if someone in another room is able to hear and understand them.