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Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Camelot Final Dress

Just home from tonight's Final Dress Rehearsal for Camelot at Ash Lawn Opera (in the Paramount Theatre in downtown Charlottesville.)
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.