OPENING NIGHT - BRAVO!!!!!

THEY DID IT! I never doubted them! My pride overflows! There should definitely be hugs, high fives and celebration all around! Last night was a great opening night, and we have two more shows to build upon that momentum and fun. LET'S DO THIS! :) WE HAD 325 PEOPLE THERE LAST NIGHT!

Live theatre is like hopping in to the unknown...and if a problem comes up, the actors and crew have to be "MacGyver" on the fly - while continuing to act, sing, dance and perform the show. There is no stopping, changing the channel, doing another "take," or pressing pause because the actors and crew just have to roll with it and keep going.

That's exactly what you saw last night...undoubtedly there were some things that popped up - sound issues, a cast member who went down with the dreaded stomach flu (get well soon, Gracen!), and a few "missing" pieces along the way. THIS CAST DID WHAT WE HAVE TALKED ABOUT FOR THE LAST WEEK - THEY ADAPTED, THEY USED THEIR "THINKING ACTOR BRAINS" AND THEY MADE IT WORK. Please give them kudos and share your pride.

Collectively, they truly are the best. I was reflecting last night as I watched the cast that we have had no problems during this show regarding teamwork. Several of the backstage moms have commented about how polite and helpful this cast has been. "Bigs" play with and help the "littles" and everyone loves one another. THIS is the family of theatre kids that is what it is ALL about!

A couple of notes from me:
1. ALL - Continue to remember and think about your entrance and exit points.
Thing 1 and Thing 2 make sure you exit from upstage right when Mr. and Mrs. come in when the tub over flows. Don't cross behind them as the scene is going on. :)
2. Cat and JoJo - Let's talk about the bubbles tonight before the show. :)
3. Cat and JoJo - WAIT (I saw you thinking about it!) for the bird to enter after the "wake up" scene...don't hurry off stage! :)
4. Thing 1 and Thing 2 - we'll make sure that the Circus McGirkus is set at the beginning of intermission so you don't have to carry it onstage. Then you just need to enter before the Jungle Animals and spin it. Just leave it for the remainder of the show. Let's practice tonight. :)
5. Jungle Animals/Circus Performers - Not too much action in the background when you are out there for the Circus scene. Remember: we don't want to distract from the singing/scene that's downstage. When the lights go blue, FREEZE until you move into Solla Sollew. You sound beautiful!:)
6. Gertrude - My fault on the flashlight - but remember to borrow Aimee's if you can. Let's make sure it's set for you tonight. :)
7. Grinch - I want to make sure I can see you! Don't hide behind those Truffula Trees! Let's talk about a good spot tonight before the show!
8. I'll share all of my many, many kudos and compliments during green room tonight!


A personal request from me: last night was a bit nutty from a clean up perspective. We have to make sure the church is ready - after our performance tonight - for them to have service on Sunday morning. If anyone is willing to help for a few minutes with clean up, that would be awesome! THANK YOU!
We also will be having another contest with the kiddos for the cleanest dressing room! The prize for the top winning room will be Hershey's bars for all! :)

NOTES FROM JAN VAN PARIS:
Please send an email out with the following:
*NO saving of seats is allowed. We want our paid patrons who waited in line for 30 min. to get first choice of seats.
*Also, after you drop your cast member off tomorrow and Sunday, please park on the east side of the building. There is angled parking along the fence, as well as parking in front of the garage and along the gravel road to the shelter house. Again, we want our patrons to be able to park in the lot.
No cast members parent or staff person should be parking near the building. Thanks!