Title of Show Opening

Dreams do come true.

For everyone of you who's ever checked in to read this blog: Stop reading this right now, buy a ticket or 3 to see Title of Show at the Lyceum Theater on Broadway, and you'll know why I started this blog almost 3 years ago.

Michael Berresse, Hunter Bell, Jeff Bowen, Susan Blackwell, and Heidi Blickenstaff (Let's go Duke!)--you are an inspiration. Thanks for leaving a piece of your souls on that stage last night. I am in awe.

There's nothing else to say really. (BLACKOUT).

Week 1 Done/3 to go!

What a week! It absolutely flew by. The prinicipals spent the week blocking the show with the creatives, and it was thrilling.

We have so little rehearsal time every minute counts. Next week will be busy with meeting/greeting the rest of the cast, visiting the set in its NJ holiding warehouse, the publicity/press meet and greet, etc; So it was great to dig into the show this week, start exploring the relationships, defining characters, clarifying plot points and laying the foundation for the work we will do the rest of the month and into previews.

The biggest discovery I made is how Shakespearean the piece feels. Stylistically we're a period piece (not much room for naturalism) and I look forward to continuing to explore that idea. There are a few massive full cast scenes that are going to be stunning (both visually and in their impact on the story telling) and some set elements that remind me of my experiences in London visiting the Old Globe and seeing RSC shows at Stratford on Avon. Very cool!

It's also been wonderful to start to get to know the people I'm going to be spending this run with. A few are veterans of the show, while a few of us are not, and we've established an intensely thorough collaboration.

Today...rest.

The Tale begins!

Happy Belated 4th of July everyone!

It's only fitting I celebrate the birth of our nation in 1776 by with the birth of rehearsals for my new Broadway show A Tale of Two Cities, which takes place at that time in history (I even get to mention George Washington in the show :).

Rehearsals are going well. It's a massive show with a massive cast of characters and a massive cast of actors (I think we're close to 40!). And we have such a short rehearsal process--only 4 weeks and then tech in the Hirschfeld!!!

Jill Santoriello has written a wonderful adaptation of Dickens' novel, balancing an epic story with a gorgeous score. Warren Carlysle, our director choreographer, is simply amazing, and Kevin Stites our MD is ever an inspiration and master of music. (It's my third Broadway show with Kevin--I consider myself a lucky man.)

And ladies beware! I can't think of stronger cast of male voices I've ever worked with: Gregg Edeleman, James Barbour, Kevin Earley, Nick Wyman...and those are only the fellas I've heard sing so far!

Stay tuned...I'll keep you guys posted on all the fun stuff. Like Oh! The costume fitting I had yesterday--thrilling!! David Zinn has designed some magnificent clothes . I can't wait to see them (and wear them) finished!