H & M - WEEK 4 (LAST WEEK OF REHEARSAL)

Tuesday’s sitzprobe was incredible. You could not blowtorch the smile off my face while we heard Joseph’s brilliant orchestrations. It was awesome to hear the amazing cast sing with the orchestra for the first time.

Wednesday was our last day at the Colony Street rehearsal hall where Ryder Bach (Harold’s understudy) & I got to go over music with Joseph Thalken on the piano. Ryder is an awesome guy, real down to earth and very talented. In the evening we moved into the Lucie Stern, where I have never performed but seen many shows. (I remember the first show I ever saw there was West Bay Opera’s production of La Boheme - I think I was 13 or 14 years old) Anyway - I think the Lucie Stern is a great theatre and a perfect venue for this intimate musical. We began spacing rehearsals.

Thursday was the beginning of tech so I took the night off to review the material on my own and to go see Broadway By The Bay’s preview performance of Joseph & The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. It was great to see so many theatre pals both on-stage & off, especially: Berle Davis, Pat Parr, Matt Mattei, Lisa Price, Matt Ferretti and Robyn Tribuzi (who plays a fab Mrs. Potiphar!)

Friday - Still in tech - the show looks in such great shape. I am in such awe of Robert Kelley - I knew the man was a genius, but it has been a rare treat to watch him work. His incredible attention to detail - unlike any director I have ever worked with. I have been a fan of his since I saw his production of Sondheim’s Passion years ago. (I still have my playbill to prove it!)

Saturday -Tech all day so I decided to stay home and review stuff - I think I have everything memorized, though for some reason I am petrified of the understudy rehearsal next week. I don’t know why I’m so nervous. My baby sis has been my guarding angel - helping me learn the material. I have the world’s greatest sister.

Sunday - Dress rehearsal - I am speechless. The show is beyond words. Bay Area audiences are in for a rare treat!


To be honest - I didn't know what to expect when I was hired for this job. I am usually very picky about the material I am involved with and I had my doubts about being a part of a new show (the last two "new" musicals I saw were big stinkers) but as soon we sat at that table and read the script for the first time and heard the music for the first time - I knew I was going to be a part of something special. Special doesn't begin to describe it. This show has great meaning for me - and those close to me will know why when they see it. I hope that everyone goes to see this incredible work of art - you'll be glad you did.

Have a great week!

-M.

p.s. Previews start on Wednesday & the show officially opens on Saturday!

p.p.s. - There is a wonderful interview with the composers in the SJ Mercury News. Check it out. =+)