Sharing in Laughter and Love: The Making of a Musical: One week until CURTAIN!!

Time has slipped away and it is already a week to opening for Singin' in the Rain! Here's what's been happening!!

The students have been working their little tails off. First off, they filmed movies for the silent and talking pictures. This was quite an undertaking in and of itself. The filming was done at the Troy Hayner Cultural Center and Normandy Methodist Church in Centerville. The films were both "period" films so our students got to dress up in some pretty awesome costumes and slip on some pretty wild wigs to fit the time period. The students staged the scenes to be filmed and rehearsed them prior to going to the destinations to film. The filming went far smoother than I think anyone anticipated. The directors, filmographer, director of films, and the students worked so well together and I'd wager to say each of them will agree it was a wonderful experience. We recently got to view the finished products--the hard work PAID OFF! I think the audiences will thoroughly enjoy their addition in the show!

Next, the understudies had their chance to shine. I, unfortunately, was unable to attend this performance. However, I have heard nothing but positive things. Each year the understudies, who do all the same work as the principle characters (often in addition to learning their actual part for the show), step up to the plate and have the first swing at introducing their families to the show they have worked so hard on along with their cast mates. It is a risk to spend the time needed to get them to a point where they can perform as a group for their parents and families, but it gets everyone pumped and in the mindset that the "real deal" is right around the corner. It really lights a fire of motivation and you can just sense the increased energy in the cast from this point forward.

The most recent big happening, is the integration of sets. The building crew has done so much work this year and their efforts have yielded some great pieces, including a grand staircase that spans the width of the stage. These guys volunteer so much of their time and energy into these sets--I certainly hope they know how much they add to each and every production. They are the best and it would seem there is no problem they can't solve. We are so fortunate to have them.

Last night, the orchestra and cast combined their creative efforts for the first time as they sang through the show. I didn't hear all of it, but what I did hear has me excited for more. The orchestra has progressively, over the past couple of years, become an element of the show that has added so much depth and color to the overall production. An orchestra can single handedly make or break a show. You notice when an orchestra is off because it negatively impacts the entire tone of the show. An okay orchestra can go unnoticed, which isn't a bad thing. An "okay" orchestra does what it needs to do--accompany the show. A good orchestra adds excitement and energy, and you notice their presence as much as you notices the actors on stage. I think this year's orchestra will fall under the latter category. We have some excellent musicians this year and I am confident in their ability to take the production to the next level.

I also saw some busy bees (volunteer mothers) swarming around making sure everyone has perfect costumes for the show. Costuming is a huge chore. Not just anyone can do costuming. You have to have an eye for it. Costume design requires being able to see the big picture before it even happens and putting together colors and textures that look right together and pop on stage. The costume moms take the vision the director gives them and they run with it. They knock it out of the park every year. They, like the set crew, are an asset to the production.

The other elements starting to come into play now that we're a week out are lighting design, scene transitions, and stage crew assignments. The lighting, I haven't seen yet, but Jacob spends so much time studying the script and choosing lighting design that you can rest assured that whatever he has in store will be perfect. You don't realize how much lighting design changes the big picture until you see the show without it. It just makes me appreciate Jacob's talent and the capabilities of our facility even more. The stage crew assembled last night to discuss their role and tonight they will focus specifically on their biggest most important task: making the show run smoothly. Our stage manager, Angie, and her awesome crew of volunteer parents and students create a seamlessly running show year after year. That is no small task.

I think that about covers it for now. My next post will be after the show opens! If you haven't gotten tickets yet--DO IT NOW!!!! You don't want to miss this show. Singin' in the Rain is: hilariously funny, lively, loaded with fast-paced dance numbers, bursting with bright colors, and boasts some bold and outlandish characters--oh, and of course, a forecast that says 100% chance of RAIN. Come see it!

Enjoy the pictures!