The final flurry

Perhaps the lack of any entries to this blog last week reveal the final flurry of activity before opening night. 12-14 hour days were filled with painting the tiles on floor, tiles on the wall, wallpaper on the walls, getting trim up, finding some final props, running nightly dress rehearsals, cleaning up backstage, taking reservations (we don't have a secretary or box office manager,) writing newspaper articles, fixing the old sofa (that we found abandoned in a barn,) final focusing of lights, reworking the sound cd...and a few minutes for meals. It was indeed a flurry....and I took my first breath at 9:45 PM on Friday night...after the first glorious performance.

Alex Eggler was my right hand man last week and helped incredibly on the set. Deb Sawyer kept the lists and scouted out the final props still needed. Bev Dochstader and Jeff Sawyer and Deb worked into the night on painting. It takes a village...

And the opening night was worth it all. This cast has kept consistently upbeat and positive and committed and worked together in this wonderful ensemble piece to bring great joy to full houses all weekend.  As I've mentioned, when working with kids one never knows if there's going to be consistency...especially with kids who have never been in shows before. As soon as the lights went up, Hunter proved that he was born for the stage. Nate pulled through with his Georgie without a hitch. The others have all been in productions before and knew the ropes and demonstrated a commitment to their role and the ensemble in a powerful way.

I love to hear audiences laugh. And they did. Each audience is different, but each one this weekend embraced this stage family and their story.

We had to turn some people away since we were sold out. A few were angry...as if it's our fault that we only have room for a finite number of chairs and that others ordered their tickets earlier. As much as we'd like to let everyone in, it just wouldn't be safe. So we added another performance on this coming Sunday at 2:30. I really think we could run the thing another whole weekend...but I'm resisting those thoughts.

I'm breathing again. The show is working.

Comments

[Gretchen]

I have SO enjoyed following your blog as OTT was being created. Kris and I were thrilled to be a part of opening night. Hunter was truly amazing. I would guess he will be on stage many times in his lifetime-he's a natural.
The set was astounding and clever. As always, the tiny details are never overlooked by you and all those who help you, Thomas.
The quality of H-G plays are extraordinary. We are all better for it! Sure wish you'd chronicled Grace & Glorie, but hope you'll blog more new plays as they are born. Gretchen

[Larry Biddison]

I echo and underscore Gretchen's views! I've recommended your blogs to everyone I talk to and have even emailed reminders. But I can't tell whether anyone ever checks them out. They are SO worth reading.
'Twould be good to have a duo from each preceding production do the curtain speech for the next play, just as Gretchen & Chris did for OTT!
Larry

[sportdude9]

Awesome! I luv it!