photo by Patricia Willis
It is hard to put into words how amazing the Off-Broadway experience has been so far. I have never been involved in anything like this before (I was never a theater kid growing up, just a music kid), and I have to say -- the feeling of standing on a stage under those bright lights alongside 20+ other people, as story and song and movement unfold around us -- man...it's a powerful, wonderful thing.
The nights leading up to opening night were incredibly intense and stressful -- last minute changes and overall disorganization had us questioning if we would be able to pull it off. But somehow (and I really don't know how!) come opening night, we went out there and did our thing and sang our hearts out, and...{sigh}...*magic.* It was as if all the stress and frustration only pushed everyone harder, and in the end the result was surprisingly wonderful!
Audiences have reacted positively, the feedback has been great, and we are having the time of our lives! I am anxious to get back into it all again tomorrow night (we've been off since Sunday). While it's been lovely to have a few nights off to get things (life, laundry, groceries, etc.) in order again, I have to admit, being away from it all has been hard....and strange. The last few months have been filled with night after night (and hours upon hours) of these songs and this script and these people...to the point that that, as crazy and hectic as it was, felt more like normal life than my "old" "normal" life (ie: the Day Job). So yeah, it's been tough to switch gears and just sit behind a desk again like some sort of office drone, without rehearsals or shows to rush off to.
So now we are five (5) shows in with five (5) shows to go and I just can't believe it will be over so soon. I am trying not to think about the end. I just want to revel in the moment....in this incredibly unique, surreal moment (seriously, pinch me...is this real?!). As you can imagine, I (along with everyone else) am praying that this goes places. How cool would that be?!!
Anyway, that's all for tonight, folks...more recaps and thoughts to come next week!
{until then, I leave you with a bit of info about the show, just in case you want to stop by :) and you should. stop by, that is}:
Bellevue Sketches is a "schizological musical" that follows the story of a young writer who interviews patients in Manhattan's famous Bellevue Psychiatric Hospital only to doubt his own sanity...
Music, book & lyrics by Patrick M. Wickham
Directed by Thomas G. Waites
when:
June 11-14 and 18-21
where:
Players Theatre
115 Macdougal Street
(212) 475-1449
Tickets can be purchased by phone at 212-352-3101 or (toll free) 866-811-4111 OR online here.
Use the promotional code RAE for $5 off. Or if you are a student, you can get tix for $25 by using the code studentticket.
There is a $6 convenience fee if you purchase on the website or by phone, so go straight to the box office at the Players Theater on MacDougal Street to avoid that (students will need to have a valid student ID).
3 comments:
i wish i could see on of those plays someday
I was there on opening night -- was great! Get out to see it if you can............
-DB
"the emotional release from it all has been...hard." So well said, and for those who have never been in a show, well- they may find it a bit of a dramatic phrase. Those of us who have, well- I would say this is the lovliest and most effective description of the after- the inevitable crash after the adrenaline. I am so happy I stumbled upon your blog on this sleepless night! It is quite a happy accident, a result of my Google search: "Christmas in NYC".
Post a Comment