Good morning bloggers! Here's another entry in "Tony's" (aka Loren's) blog. Enjoy!
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July 10th (10:43),
Okay, we have a problem. Nina (Maria) is making me cry in MY death scene (POST DEATH)! Which isn't going to fly. I mean lets really think about this, how many times have you attended a funeral where the one who passed away starts crying... I'm doing my best to be a good little dead boy (reduce my breathing, try not to sneeze, twitch, or swallow), but if I'm getting all choked then we have a problem. So I guess we'll just have to cut her final "...how many bullets are left in this gun,
Nina is a treasure.
This week we've started full run-through of the show. It's getting very exciting. Each week it's as though we're all working on a vast painting together. In the beginning we sorted out all our colors, brushes, and techniques. Then we started to apply large broad layers to the canvas, and NOW, we're finally starting focus on the details that will make the painting accomplished and unique. However, as details go they are often the most difficult, and sensitive to apply. Thankfully we have Karen, the women who envisioned this painting, in all it's detail, long before we were chosen to help illustrate. Thank you Karen, I only hope you know...
July 11th (6:24)
We just got back from lunch, YEA LUNCH! And now back to work. We're on the stage for the rest of this week, which is both exciting and intimidating. There are so many people at work to make this show a true spectacle, which really makes you appreciate the opportunity you have to be apart of it all.
Today will mostly be spent adjusting to the stage and our EXTRAORDINARY set. I hope everyone reading this has or will soon have the chance to see this amazing work of art, and I can't wait to see the lighting designers magic in play. Additionally, the crew has been so supportive and helpful in our adjustment to the stage. "Cool boy, REAL cool...!"
HURRAY, Mark (THEE Stage Manager) just brought out a basket full of our 'dance at the gym' shoes, but NOW . . . with rubber soles. For a little while it seemed like we were doing Hans Brinker the Musical instead of WSS. LOL. Now, I have to be honest, these rubber soles are a million times more important for the dancers than for me - BUT climbing up a 12 foot metal latter to the arms of your star-crossed love with no traction underneath you has it's own level of impending doom.
(9:50)
We just finished the RUMBLE, with knives, search lights, a 42 foot fence, and everything - well...9 foot fence, but it feels like 42 when you're climbing it. LOL. Just kidding, I think it's TONS of fun, I think everyone should come on down and give it a try.
We're about ready so start working Act II for the first time on stage...so far so well. No major injuries, or life crises (as Karen would say...)
Talk to ya'll again soon. One last shout out to all the amazing people that are helping this come together, and to each of my extraordinary fellow actors who are filled with talent and love. Thanks to all of you!
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We're all looking forward to West Side Story coming together starting this Friday night at 7:30. I'll see you at the theatre!
Monday, July 14, 2008
An inside look in Tony's day
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Blog from Nina (Maria in West Side Story
Good morning bloggers!
I've got another treat for you this morning! Another cast member of West Side Story, opening in less than two weeks on July 18th, has written a blog for today. Enjoy!
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Hello!!
Ok, so this is my first time writing a BLOG entry. I guess I will just let you know my thoughts in a somewhat organized manner (If I told you my thoughts without organization, I'm afraid you might either judge me or dismiss me as COO-COO!!!).
2 weeks ago, when we pulled up to the Festival Theatre, we all gasped. The beauty of the theatre, the acres and acres of grass, and the cute ponds and bridges. It is definitely a big change from good ol' NYC.
We dove right into rehearsal. I wasn't rehearsing as much as the others at first, but I knew that would change quickly....a little too quickly : ) Rehearsing is definitely cutting into my poolside and pina colada time. LOL.
The cast has connected quickly. Already, the Jets/Sharks pranks have begun. Crazy tricks like writing on each others' cars ("Jets Rule", "Maria's got a bun in the oven", etc..) to silly stringing each other after a long day of rehearsal. Maria wants peace, not war!! So, of course, I was not involved in these games. C'mon guys, someone could get hurt.....or SHOT or STABBED. Oops, did I just give away too much of the PLOT?
I could not ask for a better Tony. Loren Christopher is the most beautiful, passionate, sincere and vulnerable Tony you will ever see. What is even better is that he is like that off stage as well.
I don't know how Karen (our director AND choreographer) is still alive after these long days of rehearsal. She gets no break. She is such a hard worker who is also extremely creative and precise. She is fun to work with.
I have so much more I want to tell you , but I must get back to my duties on stage : ) I will write more soon! Thanks for reading and come see the show! Get your tickets fast! I almost could not get one. See you!
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Thanks Nina! And in other exciting news, we've got a Press Junket scheduled for today, so by next week there will be a podcast with behind the scenes footage of rehearsal and dancing. Maybe I ought to get one of the pranks on film as well, eh? Sounds like the back hallway has turned a bit dangerous. As always, leave a comment if you have a question for any of our actors, builders, costumers, or pretty much anyone here.
See you at the theatre!
Monday, July 7, 2008
Now for a blog from "Tony" of West Side Story!
Good morning bloggers!
In place of the "A Day in the Life" series, today we have a special blog from Loren who plays "Tony" one of our young lovers in West Side Story. Enjoy!
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July 5th
It's 11:00am, which means we're exactly an hour from getting started in Studio B. I think a general review of Act II is on the schedule for today. Which means somewhere throughout the day (perhaps a few times in a row), I will - generally - get shot! HOWEVER, yesterday I rushed a cue, which ultimately put Nina (Maria) and I in the wrong place at the wrong time, resulting in her getting shot in the back, instead of me getting shot in the front. Although it would be nice to NOT get shot for once, I HAVE NO IDEA how we would play that one out. LOL! Needless to say, I don't think I'll be rushing that cue anymore. Thanks GOD we're only acting...
Long before guns and death scenes however, is the ballet, which is first on the list of things to review today. These dancers are worth the price of any admission - dedicated, talented, professional, and good people. It's so difficult for me to concentrate on weaving in and out of their choreography (as my character observes the fantastic world of "Somewhere") when all I really want to do is stop and watch them.
It's now 11:05am and two of our dancers (Lauren and Ashley) are in the studio deeply involved in their yoga routine, as Maria Totten (our dance captain) is warming up in front of the mirror, in between stretching and doing abdominal crunches. Our AMAZING stage management is busy running in and out of the studio setting up for the day, while our director, Karen (::applause - applause::), who I've never seen NOT working, is in her chair deeply involved in whatever it is in front of her. All the while Jets and Sharks are filtering into the room, one of which is John (Baby John) with his new RED hair color! Which looks awesome! All the Jets (except for me) have dark brown hair, so the costume and make-up depot is slowly changing that up a bit. In fact there's some talk that Eric (Riff) will be joining me in the
Everything is going great...and this show is going to rock. So much more to say, but I have to get myself ready for the day. It's not east getting shot ya know...takes ALOT of preparation. LOL. Take care...
Loren (Tony)
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Thanks Loren! Man, lately every time I try to type an "e" I always get a "3." I don't think many people would appreciate a post in leetspeak. As always, bloggers, if you have any questions about our actors, shows, or build, then just leave a comment and I'll make sure you have an answer in no time flat. See you at the theatre!
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