Tech rehearsals successful!

Greetings!

Tech rehearsals for WEST SIDE STORY began on Wednesday night and as of tonight's (Friday) session we have made it through the entire show. Tech (or "technical") rehearsals are the point where all technical elements of the production are added. This includes all scenic elements and lighting as well as sound. It is pretty incredible to think that in only three days, all of the "visual" elements that make theatre into the exciting story-telling art form that it is are thrown into the mix. Thanks to the up-front organization of our stage manager, Joanne Johnson, and her stage crew I can candidly say that the process was as smooth as I've seen.

That is not to say that there haven't been weeks of preparation on the part of other staff members leading up to this week. Designer Ryan Koharchik (Civic's resident Scenographer) has been working closely with director Bob Sorbera to come up with a dynamic and really beautiful design. Ryan is first and foremost a lighting designer, but his scenic design skills are in evidence in the set for WEST SIDE STORY. The set consists of lots of moving parts (parts that are moving smoothly and creatively thanks to the expertise of Technical Director Troy Trinkle) and a interesting chain link fence motif that will transport the audience to the urban arena in which the play is set.

Props should also be given to Propsmistress Janet Sutton (pardon the pun...). This essential element of any theatrical design sometimes goes unnoticed, but Janet has been her usual thorough self and the show will succeed in no small part because of her attention to detail.

The cast has remained in good spirits in spite of the nature of tech rehearsals which require patience and focus as the production lurches toward opening night. Lots of stops and starts at a time when continuity is key have in no way diminished morale. In fact, these rehearsals have allowed for some further tweaking by myself with some of the music and by Bob with staging and Michael Worcel with choreography as well. In short, no time has been wasted!

There is a complete run-through tomorrow morning. This will be a "costumed run". Not quite a full-out dress rehearsal as we will not add make-up and wigs until Monday. But, it will give the actors a chance to work through costume changes and any other issues that might arise. Sunday (you can see that we are working hard!) will see our sitzprobe rehearsal where the actors will sit with the pit orchestra for the first time and sing through the score. Should be interesting..! Be sure to check back for my reactions to what is certain to be a challenging day.

I have posted some new video! These are some brief interviews with a couple of cast and crew members who each have something to say about the challenges of working on this great piece. Feel free to leave some comments..! And my apologies for the shakiness... Can somebody get me a tripod?!

Remember -- you can get your tickets now for WEST SIDE STORY by visiting our website - http://www.civictheatre.org/ - or calling the Box Office at 317.923.4597.

That's it for tonight!