Getcher Updates.....

The show began rehearsal this week....not a bad -- in fact, in most ways, an auspicious -- start. This is a talented cast. They can sing, they can act, they take direction very well and seem to trust me....and they bring their own bits and energy and synergy to the process in a remarkable way.

So far, things are just clicking on all cylinders (mixed metaphor though that may be (as the bicycle said to the fish)).

Couple of concerns, though....I still need two more men to fill out the chorus, and I'm not entirely sure where we're gonna get 'em. We're not behind the eight ball about it, yet, but I'd really love to put that concern to rest.

Here's the bigger bother, though....

I cast a young lady named Ashley in the role of the minstrel (a man's part), and she's wonderful....and she has a remarkable voice. Really amazing. The show opens with the minstrel, alone, singing a lovely solo while three dancers move in the shadows behind her....really a wonderful opening, and what sells it so completely is her voice and talent.

So, of course, the other shoe always seems to drop.

She just found out on Wednesday that she may -- she may! -- have to bow out of the production. She has to attend some stupid Bachfest on our opening night (and the night after). Obviously, I can't have her miss those dates....and she may not be able to get out of the Bachthing.....and jeez, I dont even like Bach. Neither did his children.

So.....in the first place, if we would have to replace her it will be a challenge to get anyone even competent in the role. More to the immediate point, though, it will be almost impossible to recreate the lovely opening we were going to have. It was going to be so incredibly nice -- the audience woulda been sucked in from the very get-go.

Still, maybe she'll be able to work it out -- I'm not optimistic, but it's not a for-sure loss yet.....so I'm just holding and choosing not to think about it yet.