Friday, January 16, 2004
A Rough (and Cold) Beginning!
There are a couple, well probably dozens, of theatre "proverbs". Old sayings or superstitions, from "Break a Leg" to the one about the Scottish play I already mentioned.One of the pluckiest ones is "The show must go on."
You know, "you're going out there as a chorus girl, but you're coming back a star"? Or, haven't you ever wondered if orchestras MIND that any time they use dry ice for fog it sinks to the lowest point available...often meaning the orchestra pit? And yet they keep on playing.
Another superstition is: "Bad dress rehearsal, good opening night." That one isn't too well known outside theatre circles. (Although I think people say the same thing about weddings, right?) Now, that's a superstition born from the quixotic optimism that you need to be in the theatre in the first place.
Well, the intrepid "Candide" cast has already had their opportunity to "go on with the show", and are probably hoping that a bad FIRST rehearsal means a good opening night.
It was January 5th, first day back to work for most, first day back to school for Foothill's campus, and one of those chilly days we had right around the holidays. And it's chillier at Foothill..sometimes it feels like a 10 degree drop as you climb the hill.
"Candide" is being performed in a new space, the Foothill College Playhouse, and I guess there are still a few kinks to be worked out in the space because when director Jay Manley arrived to set things up for the first rehearsal he discovered no lights, no heat, no nothing.
And being 6:30pm, no help to be found either.
So the first rehearsal was carried out by candlelight. Picture the cast shivering in their coats, huddled together for body heat, and the pianist playing through the score with ever more numb fingers...that's dedication!That's pluck! That's practically Ruby Keeler for you!
Tuesday, January 13, 2004
Welcome to the official blog for Foothill Music Theatre's production of "Candide"
Over the next 2 months we'll be giving you an inside look at what it takes to bring this musical to the stage.By the time the show opens in late February, it will be a seamless, professional presentation. (Knock on wood, and don't say 'Macbeth' while at rehearsal.)
Only you will know the blood, sweat, tears (and hissy fits) that came before.
We look forward to giving you an inside peek at the theatre world, and what goes into those shows before they ever see an audience.
You may be surprised, you may be shocked, but you will be entertained, before you ever walk through the theatre's door!
Oh, and we'll post the URL where you can buy tickets online when it's up & running.If you use the code word "Blog" you'll get an exclusive discount.
