It's an interesting moment for a director - when to choose to enjoy the show and when to continue noting the show (i.e. light cues, props notes, etc.).
I've spent the last few years not enjoying my final dresses as much as I'd like to. As a conductor, you try to move into that final dress in performance mode -- getting into the moment, enjoying the sweep of the evening, preparing for the rush of opening night. As a director, it seems like the last chance at making an impact on the show -- or for lack of a better word, controlling the show.
Control is hard - particularly in the last rehearsal in a theatre.
After tonight's dress rehearsal, which went VERY well thank you mum, it seemed as if I had lost a chance at enjoying the performances being given by my very gifted cast. Made me sorry to be leaving the city after the opening...
So Friday night we open and I will try to sit back and enjoy the show! Favorite parts of the show so far, in no particular order: Katy's portrayal of Jenny when she meets Lance for the first time, Chris' first scene with Peter (Lance and Arthur meeting for the first time), Peter's monologue that ends the first act -- riveting, Corey's Mordred (come see the show for his 7 Deadly Virtues number), and our South African Pellinore as played by Christian. I must say that it's been QUITE a pleasure to work on this show with everyone.
Oh - and thank the lords above that Erin is calling the show; AMAZING psm!!
Tomorrow is a day off and I'm heading to Monticello to commune with Jefferson.
This makes me feel as though I should remind you of your words to me about the Eastern masters and what they have to say on the topic of letting go your control. But realistically, is there a harder thing to do? It's one thing when it's letting go just within the realm of yourself, but I think that when it's other people and it's so far outside your own personal grasp when it comes to the actual moment of execution that you just have to trust the process enough to sit back and let it happen. Or develop an ulcer! Regardless, I think this is the hardest part of performance art, personally.
ReplyDeleteI was just thinking about all of this (letting go of the urge to control) today. I was revisiting Selva opaca for the first time since the day I sang it in bel canto rep, and decided to let go the need to control those long(ish) lines. And what do you know, they're fine now. I'm thinking of putting it my list!
I hope the show is fantastic! Have fun with Jefferson & then the crew at Brevard!
Oh the life of a micromanager.
ReplyDeleteOn the other foot, I have the sneaking suspicion that you wouldn't be doing what you were doing - or at least you wouldn't be doing it half as amazingly - if you weren't such a perfectionist.
Break a leg tonight, and enjoy Brevard!
Keep the posts coming!