Les Mis & Other Updates

Hey everyone,

I can't believe I haven't written an entry in soooo long. There's so much to catch up on!

After 3 1/2 weeks of rehearsals in 890 broadway (on the original broadway cast rehearsal turntable!), and a last day run of the show for Claude-Michel Schonberg (flew in from Chicago where he's readying Pirate Queen; man was it cool to meet him!), we're finally settling into our new home for the next 6 months--The Broadhurst Theater.

It's thrilling to be back on Broadway in the heart of Times Square (Lincoln Center and even The Gershwin don't have that same feeling as being in the Majestic did). We're next door to Phantom and back to back with A Chorus Line--pure unadulterated Broadway histrory. I do miss the comforts of the Beaumont, but it'll be fun being a part of this show in a true old school Broadway house--mold, critters, stairs and all :)

We've just started tech (a process that involves moving through the show at snail pace to set the lights, crew moves, costume changes, traffic, sound, turntable, props, etc; for each and every moment of the show). To give you an idea of 'snail' pace--we've been teching for 16 hours and have just finished the trial where Val Jean reveals he's '24601!' (about 30 min in). What's wonderful though about this tech, unlike most i've been a part of, is that despite the grueling pace, our director John Caird has kept things light and incredibly fun--allowing this tech to be creative. We're all enjoying bonding as a company.

Speaking of our company--it's spectacular. Every cast member is equal parts talented, professional, hard working, and FUN! And that's pretty special considering there are 40 of us!

So we tech through Saturday, when we finally get to add costumes to the mix. And we work through the show until Tuesday (1pm to midnite every day) when we have our first preview. After that we're called in from 12:30 to 5:30 for rehearsal every day before each preview until we open November 9th.

What else?

Oh! I had the honor of reading a pledge in Times Square on Sunday as part of the UN's STAND UP AGAINST POVERTY rally. It was crazy to be on a stage in the middle of Times Square with my face on every digital screen around me and thousands of people repeating the pledge after me. I'll post some photos and video when i've got them.

Alright, I promise to blog in more often!
Stay tuned!
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