Our production of "Our Town" took a giant leap forward last night (Tuesday). We have covered so much ground, but over the last few days, we have faced the challenges of the final week of rehearsal. We knew our lines, we knew our blocking, but then we added things like costumes, props, lights, sound cues, being on the stage full time, and that touched off a whole new set of things to adjust too.
The mood of the cast has always been upbeat, but the last few rehearsals reminded us how far we have to come. Last night, we seemed to assimilate all those new things and had a very positive run-through; our confidence levels, pace and energy all took off.
Tonight and Thursday, we have our dress rehearsals, and you are welcome to come around 7:15 p.m. to the St. Michael's school auditorium to check it out. No doubt there will still be a few bugs, but it's coming down the wire, and we are looking strong.
The last few days have reminded me that in order to do community theater, you have to enjoy the process. You have to be inspired by the challenge of solving all the problems, and you have to take a certain amount of pleasure in the rehearsal process. We're all laughing as we make the mistakes we learn from - that's a good sign.
Performances of Thornton Wilder's "Our Town" are Friday and Saturday, April 24 and 25, at 7:30 p.m. in the St. Michael's auditorium, with a matinee on Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets are available at the door, and proceeds benefit St. Michael's School.