Encore in Asheville
11/20/06 Filed in: Folderol
It's an odd experience to revisit a show two months down the line. I hadn't seen any of these guys since I left Boston on September 27, and although I'd heard reports that they were "holding their own" on the road, one can never be sure exactly what that means. Since none of the actors has ever performed in a long run, I expected to see a bit of "road weariness" creeping in to the show.
What I saw this morning was pretty much what I saw at final dress rehearsal. The show itself is in decent shape: There were no major goof-ups, and really any small ones would not be evident to an audience, only those of us who know the show well. Aside from everybody rushing certain scenes, the occasional missing of lighting marks (almost unavoidable when you play a different house every day), and an unfortunate problem with the cyc lights that meant key moments were muddled for lack of adequate illumination, they did an outstanding job, and the audience clearly enjoyed it.
I had told Andrew, the Stage Manager, that I was coming, and he told Erica, the House Manager, who had to let us in, but I don't think he told the actors so I was pleased to be greeted warmly when I popped backstage afterwards and interrupted the load-out process.This is a group of people (not just the actors, but Electrician, Stage Manager, and House Manager) that know how to get along with each other; if there are problems-and in a long tour, there inevitably are problems-they deal with them as a family, work through whatever issues there might be, and get on with the job at hand.
Rehearsing this group was a pleasure, and seeing them do so well made me very happy. I'm proud of all of them.
Above, left to right, behind me: Andrew Terlizzi, Morgan Carson, Liz Markey, Travis Horseman, Lil Malinich, Kevin Meehan. Not shown: Electrician Alicia Levey, and House Manager/Understudy Erica Camarano, who took the picture.
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