Show Commentary
- The show is coming along beautifully, and we're all excited to show off the work that we've been doing. The orchestra is wonderful. Set work is coming along nicely, and will add a lot to the show. The number of hours that goes into the stuff behind the scenes on a show of this size is incredible. I wish we could properly recognize all the volunteer work that is helping make what you will enjoy next week possible. They make it look effortless, but I realize the effort it takes to make that happen.
One of the things that I love about this production are the two wonderful dance numbers. Thanks to Russ, we've got a couple of pictures to share from last night's rehearsal and one of the dances.
- Wow. Where to the weeks go. My apologies to those of you who stop by to see how we are coming on the show. Things are crazy busy this year with lots on the plate at the Elkader Opera House. All these events and shows are taking a toll on the volunteers, but the public response has kept us going thus far. We are working hard on Music Man to make sure that it is all you remember it being, and all we want it to be. Our choreographer and dancers are impressing the heck out of all of us every rehearsal. The orchestra joined us last night for the first time, and the results were wonderful. I'm pleased with how everything is coming for this huge undertaking. I think you will be pleased as well. Ticket sales are going better than any show in recent memory, so if you are still on the fence, don't wait too long. You can now check on line to see what seats are still available for any performance. We do our best to keep this list up to date. Simply click on the date of the performance on the main OHP page for a listing of seats available / sold.
- Rehearsals have begun. We start by teaching some of the chorus songs, at least the ones that have the most difficult harmony. "Harmony?" you say. Yes.. it's there, and well written, it just sneaks up on you and adds to the musical punch, and before you know it, we move on to the melodies that make this musical so memorable. We'll begin rehearsals in earnest in August. Full materials should arrive by then to allow us to work on blocking and dance. Plans continue for the set that we hope will transport you back to turn of the century Iowa. The Opera House is filled with entertainment this fall. It always becomes a second home to us as we work on a show. With this much to look forward to, we hope you stop by often and join us for some wonderful entertainment. Riders in the Sky, Music Man, Orchestra Iowa, Smother's Brother, & Plaid Tidings. There is something for everyone over the next several months!
- Let me first say that this is going to be a fun and wonderful musical event! That said, at this very moment, after two nights of tryouts with 78 individuals, I hate what the level of talent and dedication does to my stress level as we make final decisions on casting. As anyone who has worked in musicals before knows, a show is a complex organism, and thinking and moving different characters into roles rapidly changes the tone of the musical. I can tell you without any hesitation, that there are three or four great fall musical casts floating around in my brain right now. All would be good. All would make the audiences fall in love once again with The Music Man. Only one can be rehearsed and presented however. That's where the decisions become rough. We had the same problem with Fiddler on the Roof last year. It's a good problem to have for the audience. It's a great problem to have as a director, except for these next couple of days. Once the decisions are made and the cast is on-board, the fun of putting a musical together begins!
- A wonderful night of try-outs last night. The bar is set high for becoming a cast member of what promises to be a great show this fall. There are several people who have already told us that they won't be there until tonight's try-out. If you are on the edge of deciding, come join us. This will be a fun show to be join, with lots of great song and dance, and what promises to be a large talented cast. The production crew always has a bit of anxiety that we will have the right mix of talent for the show. (at least this director does!) Instead, we always find ourselves in the position of having to make hard decisions on which of the multitude of talented people we use for the show. Stay tuned!
- Tryouts have been set for Tuesday and Wednesday May 19 & 20 at 7pm on the Opera House stage. I will be posting additional information on the web site shortly. Come and be part of this historic Iowa based show!