BY CANDLELIGHT opens tonight. It has gotten a fair amound of advance press (subject 9/11 and kids - I guess that's different). The set was finished last night after the kids left and there is a new lighting plot in place. My kids have never worked with the new set. A set change was incorporated at the last minute (yes, it's quite lovely - very moving - all done by kids) but the kids never rehearsed doing it and ) I (and my co-director) do not want to use it. Ahhh, theatre ... what is opening without some added stress? Cross your fingers for the kids. They gave their hearts to the play.
Thanks for good wishes! I am serious about AW SHUCKS! I have three weeks of (packed to the limit) classes all over the Twin Cities and would love to use some of the Playwright's (very) short works here. But, alas, since I can only give credit and not pay ... I did not want to put out a call. Rest assured, it is only for classes. And I won't use them (on my honor) if you would prefer not. Meanwhile, bring it on! I shall read in-between shows!
After a stressful tech week (oh, because there was no tech till opening!), the two casts of 51 kids acquitted themselves beautifully. We are closed and I miss them. The audience left sobbing (being someone who writes large-cast comedies for high school students - this was - different. I felt awful! What did I do to them?) We received a lot of press, sold well and I sent out spies during intermission (do any of you do that?) to listen to the comments (nice). And: the stunned silence when I wanted silence. It doesn't get much better than that. And the kids truly honored my childhood friend with their performances and care. And I learned so much about where a play can go if you give it your heart ... and soul.
