Our Future

How could I not blog about the state of our nation at this historic, critical time? Don't worry, I will try to tie this into the business of performing :)

All this week I have been so inspired by the words of the key note speakers at the DNC. And tonight, Joe Biden said some brilliant things. In addition to finally clarifying for Americans the policies of Obama vs. McCain, he talked openly, passionately...in a way I haven't heard from a politician in a long time. I believed he really cared. And then Barack came out and did the same--they speak to the average American, they inspire the average American, and we can all finally relate and feel like we can trust the men hoping to lead us into the future.

So how does this relate to us performers? Well, tonight Joe Biden talked about work. He talked about how work shouldn't be just about a pay check, but about dignity and respect. I was lucky enough to be raised by parents that instilled in me a strong sense of honor. And I work hard everyday to be leave my job filled with dignity and respect. And I hope to inspire others to do the same. And I challenge all of you to demand that of yourselves. Whether you're a writer, a performer, a producer, a technician, a designer, an agent...ask yourself if you leave work filled with a sense of dignity and respect. If we all do that, we can change this business from the inside out, bring better quality art and entertainment to audiences everywhere.


P.S. I've just passed the 100 entry mark in the history of this blog! Thank you to all the readers. It's your feedback and comments that keep me writing!

Previews

Today was our first day off in two weeks of rehearsals during the day and, this week, preview performances at night. It's been an incredible rush to be a part of the evolution of Tale from the rehearsal studios to the stage with full sets/costumes/lights and audiences.

Just a quick note to the fans--THANK YOU!!!! Your incredible enthusiasm for our work is so appreciated by all of us both onstage and backstage! I'm truly looking forward to the coming weeks, opening night, and our rumored cast album recording (cross your fingers!).

Oh and if you haven't already, check out Broadway.com's behind the scenes video documentary's of Tale--they're really well done!

Off to bed and then rehearsal/preview #8 tomorrow!

Patience and Process

Tomorrow is our last day in the rehearsal studio. As of next week we're tech'ing in the theater, and pretty soon it'll be previews.

The last 4 weeks have been truly Dickensian: it was the best of times, the worst of times, at times time flew by, at times it crawled...

I haven't slept much. I don't think anyone has. Too much adrenalin. Too many thoughts and ideas about character and structure and plot and emotion and on and on and on. Even tonight I think I've just discovered the underbelly of a scene with my Uncle the Marquis that I am excited to try at tomorrow morning's run through.

I have learned that patience is key. And I am the least patient person I know. But putting a new epic musical on its feet is a massive undertaking. As equally exhausting as it is thrilling. And as I have learned, when you're consistently impatient, your creativity shuts down. It gets locked. You want answers before exploring the questions. And it is the exploring of the questions that will make your acting compelling. In the exploring, you will try things you may never have imagined, you will find the pool of choices in which you will swim in front of an audience.

If you are patient you will experience the process AND the results, instead of simply being frustrated by the elusive answers.