Thursday, November 02, 2006

One Day More

So we've technically got our last day of rehearsal tomorrow before press starts coming to review us beginning this weekend. It's been a wonderful rehearsal process: very open, committed, explorative, and a ton of fun.

And I'm sure that's how things will remain throughout our run thanks to this great cast. We're finding things all the time! I LOVE finishing a show and realizing I've found a few new things I want to try out next show, or having discovered the meaning behind a moment that's been troubling me.

This role and this piece are particularly challenging because you're acting is often dictated by the music. You almost have to 'feel' in time to the ebbs and flows of what you're hearing/singing in the orchestra (which is particularly challenging when you're not singing and trying to explore a moment).

But that's what rehearsal is for. And I think after the last 4 weeks, we're in a really good place to give audiences and authentic Les Mis experience.

8 Comments:

At Saturday, 04 November, 2006, Lauren said...

I saw Les Miserables last week and loved it. As a Les Mis fan I found it interesting to read about the rehearsal process, especially toward the opening of a show that is so well known!

But I found your comment about acting with the music really fascinating. I always felt that the music conveys a "deeper" meaning about the character, especially with emotions. So I guess when trying to experiment new things the music almost "choreographs" your feelings? As an actor, I'm just curious!

Regardless, I loved the show! I felt that everyone showed a commitment to the language and was really thinking about the meaning of each individual word. It made me, a an audience member, discover new things about the show!

 
At Monday, 13 November, 2006, Matt B said...

Hi Aaron,
My name is Matt Bennett.
I go to Cherry Hill East with your cousin Brittany! I'm in theater with Mr. Nation there. I got bit by the bug when as a 5th grader, he cast me as Gavroche for East's 2003 production of Les Mis. It was the most amazing experience and I love the show! I am hoping to come see you as Enjolras! I could only dream of playing a part in the show again someday!! Best Wishes for a fantastic run!! Break a Leg!~Matt

 
At Monday, 13 November, 2006, Matt B said...

Hi Aaron,
My name is Matt Bennett.
I go to Cherry Hill East with your cousin Brittany! I'm in theater with Mr. Nation there. I got bit by the bug when as a 5th grader, he cast me as Gavroche for East's 2003 production of Les Mis. It was the most amazing experience and I love the show! I am hoping to come see you as Enjolras! I could only dream of playing a part in the show again someday!! Best Wishes for a fantastic run!! Break a Leg!~Matt

 
At Thursday, 16 November, 2006, Anonymous said...

I attended last Sunday's matinee performance and can quite honestly say that it was most definitely an "authentic Les Miz experience"! It had all the elements that I love to savor while watching a show.... powerful, stirring music.... passionate performances that bring me to tears....perfect comedic timing that invites genuine laughter. The cast is wonderful and, in my opinion, the reason that the audience is able to tap into such a wide range of emotions throughout the show.
I had a special connection to that particular performance because my nephew, Jacob Levine, was playing the role of Gavroche that afternoon, so naturally my emotions were already heightened, but it only added that much more to my enjoyment of the show. Afterwards, I got a very small peek of the post-show experience... waiting by the stage door for my nephew, who we were bringing home with us, I was privy to the actors emerging from the theater and facing their fans.... a lovely and varied group of individuals who wanted to express their appreciation and admiration... and rightly so! I was touched and perhaps slightly surprised that the cast, who must have been exhausted, were extremely patient and giving of their time, signing autographs, posing for pictures and stopping to talk to the individuals... it was refreshing to see that... and thrilling to see my nephew taking part as well, as this is his first Broadway gig!
I'd just like to say Thank You to you, Aaron, and to the entire cast and crew for giving us something to cheer about.... a wonderful show! Best Wishes, "Aunt Liz"

 
At Thursday, 23 November, 2006, Anonymous said...

Hey Aaron!

I'm Annie, I talked to you after Les Miz on Tuesday night. I'd just like to congratulate you and the rest of the cast on your great performance - it was so refreshing!

Keep writing! I really am a HUGE fan of your blog and I'd love to hear more about what you say.

 
At Friday, 08 December, 2006, Anonymous said...

Ciao,

I went to see the show last weekend and I was very lucky to sit in the front row and appreciate all of the wonderful work of the whole group of actors. I especially enjoyed your performance and I think you have a very powerful stage presence, in addition to being a great singer. I have no doubt that you will have a great career in doing what you like the most: which is to act and perform. I am a native of Italy and I also really liked your Italian accent and how well you played that role (I just saw it on video). If you ever sing in Italian again and need lessons (I am sure the production does provide that for you!) I would be very happy to help you. Bravo e complimenti, sei davvero fantastico ! I hope to have a chance to meet you on day.
Take care of youself,
Best,
Fufina

 
At Friday, 08 December, 2006, Anonymous said...

Hi Aaron,

I know this is far after the fact, but I was one of the girls who came to see you twice on Wednesday, 6 December -- yes, the huggy one. I just wanted to mention in here, again, how much I enjoyed the performance.

As a ten-year fan of the show, I've come across a great many Enjolras actors, and -- though you may have heard it before -- I have to say I think you've captured him most perfectly. I'm a fan not only of Boublil and Schonberg's wonderful show, but of Victor Hugo's book as well, and it's not hard to tell when an actor has read the book and draws from what he had read to inspire his performance: yours is one of those.

When I saw you onstage, I couldn't help but feel that I was in the presence of Enjolras -- not just an actor wearing the red and gold vest and carrying the big red flag. And I think that's a rare thing; it's easy enough to do a good performance, but the real difficulty is doing a truly great performance. It's not something I tend to say often, about performers, because it takes quite a bit to impress me anymore -- but I have to say, you did. So Aaron, bravissimo, and continue to share your passion with other theatregoers. I hope to come again soon. :)

-Jenn

 
At Tuesday, 19 December, 2006, Anonymous said...

Well Aaron, all the hard work payed off! You did a fantistic job and stole the show! You are an incredible talent! I cant possible put it into words how AMAZING you did! congratulations!

 

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