Hey everybody,
Josh wanted me to let you know of a couple of opportunities for cast members to dress in costume and interact with people while in character to publicize our marvelous show--
This Friday morning, March 2nd, Willowbrook Mall--obviously this only works for those who are home-schooled, not in school yet, or adults who aren't working Friday
This Saturday afternoon, March 3rd--Josh will be doing balloons and would like a some cast members to be there with him, having fun, interacting, and passing out balloons.
Please call Josh and let him know if you are available. If you can come Friday, we will need to work on getting your costume for you.
Also, Josh has cancelled tomorrow evening's (Thursday) pickup rehearsal. We will see everyone at Berry Center Friday at 5pm. Thanks!
Amy
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Updates from Amy (Also t-shirt list)
Hey everyone!
After all the time we've spent together the last few weeks, it seems weird not to see you guys! I miss seeing your bright faces, and look forward to seeing you Friday night. (Or tomorrow at Chick fil A!) Please be sure to check out Mrs. Debbie's notes below and work on your music and lines this week.
These are the people I have listed as having paid for t-shirts. If anyone else would like one, including parents, I need to know right away and will need payment on Friday. They are $10. Email me at jcookfamily@sbcglobal.net
Emma Allbright
Laura Barbe
Wyatt Clayton
Alexandra Cochran
Anna Conover
Deborah and Hannah Cook
Cossette Czarnopis
Natalie Davidson
Evan and Olivia Delaune
Lauren Dodds
Ally, Bryn, Kyla Fleischhauer
Zoe Forde
Shaun Furter
Kelsey Giallanza
Sam Hackett
Taylor Hall
Caroline Harper
Jessica Heintjes
Kyle and Shayne Holava
Jordan Jones
Laura Knipp
Leslie Lenert
Alejandro Martinez
Noah and Gracie McDaniel
Emily Menking
Will Metivier
Erik Mills
Morgan Montgomery
Shamus and Peyton O'Brien
Gia Ochsenbein
Raegan Roberts
Courtney Robertson
Rebekah Stanley
Dana, Desi, Estus Stephens
Bryan and Rylee Sutton
Abby Weeks
Peyton Wilkinson
Call time on Friday is 5:00pm at the Berry Center. See you then!
Amy
After all the time we've spent together the last few weeks, it seems weird not to see you guys! I miss seeing your bright faces, and look forward to seeing you Friday night. (Or tomorrow at Chick fil A!) Please be sure to check out Mrs. Debbie's notes below and work on your music and lines this week.
These are the people I have listed as having paid for t-shirts. If anyone else would like one, including parents, I need to know right away and will need payment on Friday. They are $10. Email me at jcookfamily@sbcglobal.net
Emma Allbright
Laura Barbe
Wyatt Clayton
Alexandra Cochran
Anna Conover
Deborah and Hannah Cook
Cossette Czarnopis
Natalie Davidson
Evan and Olivia Delaune
Lauren Dodds
Ally, Bryn, Kyla Fleischhauer
Zoe Forde
Shaun Furter
Kelsey Giallanza
Sam Hackett
Taylor Hall
Caroline Harper
Jessica Heintjes
Kyle and Shayne Holava
Jordan Jones
Laura Knipp
Leslie Lenert
Alejandro Martinez
Noah and Gracie McDaniel
Emily Menking
Will Metivier
Erik Mills
Morgan Montgomery
Shamus and Peyton O'Brien
Gia Ochsenbein
Raegan Roberts
Courtney Robertson
Rebekah Stanley
Dana, Desi, Estus Stephens
Bryan and Rylee Sutton
Abby Weeks
Peyton Wilkinson
Call time on Friday is 5:00pm at the Berry Center. See you then!
Amy
Music Notes from Opening Weekend
CAST MUSIC NOTES
Oh, my, people!!! What a great opening weekend! Thank you for all you've done to prepare. As we go through this week, please keep reviewing notes, lines, entrances, cut-offs, etc. Each week should be a little sharper. Although I'm unable to be with you this week, I KNOW you'll be awesome! Make me even prouder, if that's possible!!! Love to you all!
Oh, the Thinks - Cat, remember to move through your lines a little quicker so you don't have to rush your first singing line. Everyone, Part 3 & 4 needs more parts! When you get to the "...and think...and think...and think", remember to listen carefully to the track so you can stay in rhythm with it. Ladies, remember to cut off quickly with a good, hard "k" on "Oh, the thinks you can think!" You've been holding it out, but it needs to stay short.
Biggest Blame Fool - Kangaroos, you ROCK!! Wickershams, remember not to rush on "HA! HA! HA! Laughed the Wickersham brothers!" When you start singing, let's really hear those parts. When you sing out on those, it's AWESOME! Cat, your spoken lines get mushy when you're the talk show host. Be sure you can always be understood, no matter what inflection, personality, or accent you adopt. Everyone, nice job on the playoff!
Here on Who - M/M Mayor, you're doing a fabulous job.....keep it up! Whos, remember that everyone sings every family line. Grinch, you're a scene stealer! Everyone, remember to let M/M Mayor only sing starting with "Our future's in your hands" and through "You're the only one who hears." Everyone sings again on "You must, sir!"
It's Possible - JoJo (both of you), you're wonderful! You hit a home run this weekend! Keep it up, kiddos! Everyone, we REALLY need to hear parts during Part 2 & 3. Please review them this week so they can be solid again.
The Military - General, the audience loved you! Great energy! Cadets, you started strong. You MUST review your entrance in Part 3 after the General sings "That's what makes a boy..." General sings "boy" on beat 1; beat 2 is a rest for you; beat 3 is when you start "That's what makes a boy..." Please review so we can get that really crisp.
Monkey Around - Wickershams, you're great! Please review parts toward the end and get those tight again.
Chasing the Whos - Exciting song, everyone! Wickershams, you're doing so much "ooo ooo aah aaah" that you're covering up Sour Kangaroo's solo. Please back off some on your noises so other solos can be heard. Cat, your spoken lines from the helicopter get covered up by music. Rather than asking the sound to be altered, if you'll project more and enunciate a little clearer, I think it will come through better. Men, I still need MUCH more "Cha- sing the Whos"!! M/M Mayor and Whos, you're getting lost in all the action. Please project more on "We're Whos here....." Everyone, MORE PARTS on "black-bottomed eagle was cruel as could be!"
Finale Act 1 - Bird Girls, review parts on "he kept the egg warm" and also separate "kept....the egg....warm". On "storm", as soon as you hit that chord, you fall off of those pitches simulating wind noise. Again on your "ooh...aah" a couple of measure later, you fall off of the pitches on your "aah". Also, altos and sopranos have moving notes there and I don't hear them moving. They're clashing with the orchestration, so please review those notes. When you get to "And then came the winter...", the following words are short: "sleet", "hung", "trunk". On "feet", that's only held for 2 beats, then cut off, rest for 2 beats, then back in on the same notes and fall off of the pitches again. Please review this section carefully. Cat, on "Lucky (Reprise)", the first two times you sing "Tell yourself...", please sing the bottom notes to bring out the harmony. Everyone, please bring out those bottom notes on "thank your lucky stars..." Excellent job remembering how many times to repeat!!!
Our Story Resumes...(Part 2) - Cat, your first spoken line is only 7 beats into the song. Horton, your first spoken line is 8 beats after Cat finishes. The underscore changes to play "Oh, the Thinks" just as you start. Bird Girls, nice entrance! Men, remember to really bring out "egg, nest, and tree" each time. We could sure use more PARTS on "Sold..Sold...Sold"!
Circus McGurkus - Everyone, careful on those "Oh, Oh" notes. Please review when they go down and when they go up. We're still unsure about those. When you start singing, "Come see the monstrosities...", it sounds forced. Remember to sing full voice for the excitement, but never in a forceful way so it turns to a constipated sound.
Alone in the Universe/Solla Sollew - Horton, you made me cry! Such tenderness and sensitivity! Keep it going! Everyone, MORE PARTS, just keep them tender to match Horton. Review your notes for "Solla Sollew......." that you sing underneath Horton's "If we can get there...." Nice parts to the end!
The Butter Battle/Saving Private JoJo - JoJo, please wait for music to play a note or two before you speak "And not only that, sir...." Also, take your time there. Those notes are nice and long. No need to rush. General, PLEASE wait until the music changes before your spoken line "It's a minefield out there!" This is a dramatic scene, guys. Ham it up.....milk it!
Whos Christmas Pageant/Roast Beast - Whos, please review your notes in these two songs. They're good. It's just a tough section, so don't let yourself forget the notes here.
Havin' a Hunch - Cat/JoJo, remember to work the timing just before Part 3 so that your lines fall between notes that the orchestration is playing. Everyone, MUCH MORE bottom note needed on Part 4. It was much better Saturday night, but still could use more. Everyone, please remember to come in AS SOON AS the orchestration cuts off at the end!
All for You - Bird Girls, ohhhhh, you're close! Keep reviewing these harmonies every chance you get. Find a corner on Thursday and work them, and find a corner every chance you get to work them. This song is tough, but you're really close to nailing it! When Gertrude sings, "...and I haven't gone through!" and you come in on your "Ah......", please put a slight pause before "I". It makes it more dramatic and easier to understand as well. We're losing harmonies on the end, so just keep working.
The Whos Return - Everyone, nice phrasing on "A person's a person, no matter how......"!!
The People vs. Horton the Elephant - Wickershams, when you sing, "You're gonna be...gonna be...gonna be...", please remember to cut off and let Kangaroo sing alone on "gonna be put..." You come back in on "...on trial!" Horton, review your words at "You can throw me in jail..." so we clearly understand "but I won't desert my egg and I will not abandon Who!" Way to go...taking your time on "These Whos here...." Nice job! Judge, GREAT timing on "Nool Asylum..." and so forth!! Everyone, remember Part 4 starts with men and women taking turns. We also could use more separation on "Boil......it". Think of both as staccato notes to make them crisper, cleaner.
Yopp!/Alone (Reprise) - Sour Kangaroo, your spoken lines at the beginning are getting a little covered up by the orchestration. I appreciate the incredible tenderness here, but please project a little more and use just a little better diction so those precious lines are heard. Horton/Gertrude, PLEASE review your spoken lines after "An Elephant Bird!" Friday night was awesome! Let's hear those every night! Such compassion and expression on your sung lines......NICE!!
Bows - Everyone, review your words and timing for Bows! Nice, nice, nice! The audience LOVES it!!!
I LOVE YOU ALL!!!!! BREAK A LEG!!!!!
Oh, my, people!!! What a great opening weekend! Thank you for all you've done to prepare. As we go through this week, please keep reviewing notes, lines, entrances, cut-offs, etc. Each week should be a little sharper. Although I'm unable to be with you this week, I KNOW you'll be awesome! Make me even prouder, if that's possible!!! Love to you all!
Oh, the Thinks - Cat, remember to move through your lines a little quicker so you don't have to rush your first singing line. Everyone, Part 3 & 4 needs more parts! When you get to the "...and think...and think...and think", remember to listen carefully to the track so you can stay in rhythm with it. Ladies, remember to cut off quickly with a good, hard "k" on "Oh, the thinks you can think!" You've been holding it out, but it needs to stay short.
Biggest Blame Fool - Kangaroos, you ROCK!! Wickershams, remember not to rush on "HA! HA! HA! Laughed the Wickersham brothers!" When you start singing, let's really hear those parts. When you sing out on those, it's AWESOME! Cat, your spoken lines get mushy when you're the talk show host. Be sure you can always be understood, no matter what inflection, personality, or accent you adopt. Everyone, nice job on the playoff!
Here on Who - M/M Mayor, you're doing a fabulous job.....keep it up! Whos, remember that everyone sings every family line. Grinch, you're a scene stealer! Everyone, remember to let M/M Mayor only sing starting with "Our future's in your hands" and through "You're the only one who hears." Everyone sings again on "You must, sir!"
It's Possible - JoJo (both of you), you're wonderful! You hit a home run this weekend! Keep it up, kiddos! Everyone, we REALLY need to hear parts during Part 2 & 3. Please review them this week so they can be solid again.
The Military - General, the audience loved you! Great energy! Cadets, you started strong. You MUST review your entrance in Part 3 after the General sings "That's what makes a boy..." General sings "boy" on beat 1; beat 2 is a rest for you; beat 3 is when you start "That's what makes a boy..." Please review so we can get that really crisp.
Monkey Around - Wickershams, you're great! Please review parts toward the end and get those tight again.
Chasing the Whos - Exciting song, everyone! Wickershams, you're doing so much "ooo ooo aah aaah" that you're covering up Sour Kangaroo's solo. Please back off some on your noises so other solos can be heard. Cat, your spoken lines from the helicopter get covered up by music. Rather than asking the sound to be altered, if you'll project more and enunciate a little clearer, I think it will come through better. Men, I still need MUCH more "Cha- sing the Whos"!! M/M Mayor and Whos, you're getting lost in all the action. Please project more on "We're Whos here....." Everyone, MORE PARTS on "black-bottomed eagle was cruel as could be!"
Finale Act 1 - Bird Girls, review parts on "he kept the egg warm" and also separate "kept....the egg....warm". On "storm", as soon as you hit that chord, you fall off of those pitches simulating wind noise. Again on your "ooh...aah" a couple of measure later, you fall off of the pitches on your "aah". Also, altos and sopranos have moving notes there and I don't hear them moving. They're clashing with the orchestration, so please review those notes. When you get to "And then came the winter...", the following words are short: "sleet", "hung", "trunk". On "feet", that's only held for 2 beats, then cut off, rest for 2 beats, then back in on the same notes and fall off of the pitches again. Please review this section carefully. Cat, on "Lucky (Reprise)", the first two times you sing "Tell yourself...", please sing the bottom notes to bring out the harmony. Everyone, please bring out those bottom notes on "thank your lucky stars..." Excellent job remembering how many times to repeat!!!
Our Story Resumes...(Part 2) - Cat, your first spoken line is only 7 beats into the song. Horton, your first spoken line is 8 beats after Cat finishes. The underscore changes to play "Oh, the Thinks" just as you start. Bird Girls, nice entrance! Men, remember to really bring out "egg, nest, and tree" each time. We could sure use more PARTS on "Sold..Sold...Sold"!
Circus McGurkus - Everyone, careful on those "Oh, Oh" notes. Please review when they go down and when they go up. We're still unsure about those. When you start singing, "Come see the monstrosities...", it sounds forced. Remember to sing full voice for the excitement, but never in a forceful way so it turns to a constipated sound.
Alone in the Universe/Solla Sollew - Horton, you made me cry! Such tenderness and sensitivity! Keep it going! Everyone, MORE PARTS, just keep them tender to match Horton. Review your notes for "Solla Sollew......." that you sing underneath Horton's "If we can get there...." Nice parts to the end!
The Butter Battle/Saving Private JoJo - JoJo, please wait for music to play a note or two before you speak "And not only that, sir...." Also, take your time there. Those notes are nice and long. No need to rush. General, PLEASE wait until the music changes before your spoken line "It's a minefield out there!" This is a dramatic scene, guys. Ham it up.....milk it!
Whos Christmas Pageant/Roast Beast - Whos, please review your notes in these two songs. They're good. It's just a tough section, so don't let yourself forget the notes here.
Havin' a Hunch - Cat/JoJo, remember to work the timing just before Part 3 so that your lines fall between notes that the orchestration is playing. Everyone, MUCH MORE bottom note needed on Part 4. It was much better Saturday night, but still could use more. Everyone, please remember to come in AS SOON AS the orchestration cuts off at the end!
All for You - Bird Girls, ohhhhh, you're close! Keep reviewing these harmonies every chance you get. Find a corner on Thursday and work them, and find a corner every chance you get to work them. This song is tough, but you're really close to nailing it! When Gertrude sings, "...and I haven't gone through!" and you come in on your "Ah......", please put a slight pause before "I". It makes it more dramatic and easier to understand as well. We're losing harmonies on the end, so just keep working.
The Whos Return - Everyone, nice phrasing on "A person's a person, no matter how......"!!
The People vs. Horton the Elephant - Wickershams, when you sing, "You're gonna be...gonna be...gonna be...", please remember to cut off and let Kangaroo sing alone on "gonna be put..." You come back in on "...on trial!" Horton, review your words at "You can throw me in jail..." so we clearly understand "but I won't desert my egg and I will not abandon Who!" Way to go...taking your time on "These Whos here...." Nice job! Judge, GREAT timing on "Nool Asylum..." and so forth!! Everyone, remember Part 4 starts with men and women taking turns. We also could use more separation on "Boil......it". Think of both as staccato notes to make them crisper, cleaner.
Yopp!/Alone (Reprise) - Sour Kangaroo, your spoken lines at the beginning are getting a little covered up by the orchestration. I appreciate the incredible tenderness here, but please project a little more and use just a little better diction so those precious lines are heard. Horton/Gertrude, PLEASE review your spoken lines after "An Elephant Bird!" Friday night was awesome! Let's hear those every night! Such compassion and expression on your sung lines......NICE!!
Bows - Everyone, review your words and timing for Bows! Nice, nice, nice! The audience LOVES it!!!
I LOVE YOU ALL!!!!! BREAK A LEG!!!!!
Monday, February 27, 2012
Link to Additional Photos
Here's a link to 569 photos that I took at the final dress rehearsal on 2-23-12 https://picasaweb.google.com/106763093111598925216/SeussicalDressRehearsal
Bob
Bob
Second Seussical Video
Please check out this video and share it with all of your friends http://www.onetruemedia.com/shared?p=106804b63242c1a3f6e7ea0&skin_id=1010&utm_source=otm&utm_medium=text_url
Thanks.
Bob
Thanks.
Bob
Seussical Promo Video
Please post this link on your facebook page and email it to all of your family, friends, and co-workers http://video214.com/play/9nFDSBu4cu8JwN0pUaMLcA/s/dark
Bob
Bob
Sunday, February 26, 2012
More Photos
Here's a link to the some of the photos I took at Thursday's dress rehearsal
Bob
http://www.flickr.com/photos/18670023@N04/sets/72157629464638175
Please choose your favorites and share with your friends on facebook.Bob
Seussical Photos
Here's a link to some great photos taken by Michael Montgomery at Thursday's dress rehearsal: http://www.flickr.com/photos/13489102@N06/sets/72157629459849783/ Please select your favorite photos and share them will all of your friends on Facebook.
Bob
Bob
SEUSS!!!
I'M SO PROUD OF ALL OF YOU!
There will be a pick up rehearsal on Thursday at 7:00 at HFAC, but not everyone will be called.
I will only require the following people:
Chaney Moore
Nick Thomas
Mitchell Sink
Natalie Davidson
Brian Sutton
You will be free to go as soon as we are done running your numbers.
Everyone, please be reviewing your lines.
I will need everyone on Friday at 5:00. If you cannot get there at 5:00, then we need you there as soon as possible. We need to run through many of the group dance numbers.
Also, on Saturday, I would like to see if we could get the whole cast to go see "The Lorax" together before the show.
My last announcement is for all the kids in the show. I have been asked to direct a show that would be for the kids in seussical. I will be directing "The Princess and The Pea". It will start after seussical closes, will rehearse for six weeks and perform at the end of April. I would love to direct this show, and I would love to be able to work with all of you again. But, I need to know ASAP, how many of you would be both interested in and able to do this show. It will rehearse on Mondays and wednesdays from 5:00 - 7:00. If you would like to be in my production of Princess and the Pea, please call or email me as soon as possible. Thanks.
Again, I am so proud of all of you. You did a great job this weekend. But, don't stop working now that we've opened. Continue to work on your lines, blocking, music, and choreography.
Also, please continue to promote the show and sell tickets! You are all amazing, and I want everyone to see you.
Joshua Clark
281-755-4364
JoshActingUp@gmail.com
There will be a pick up rehearsal on Thursday at 7:00 at HFAC, but not everyone will be called.
I will only require the following people:
Chaney Moore
Nick Thomas
Mitchell Sink
Natalie Davidson
Brian Sutton
You will be free to go as soon as we are done running your numbers.
Everyone, please be reviewing your lines.
I will need everyone on Friday at 5:00. If you cannot get there at 5:00, then we need you there as soon as possible. We need to run through many of the group dance numbers.
Also, on Saturday, I would like to see if we could get the whole cast to go see "The Lorax" together before the show.
My last announcement is for all the kids in the show. I have been asked to direct a show that would be for the kids in seussical. I will be directing "The Princess and The Pea". It will start after seussical closes, will rehearse for six weeks and perform at the end of April. I would love to direct this show, and I would love to be able to work with all of you again. But, I need to know ASAP, how many of you would be both interested in and able to do this show. It will rehearse on Mondays and wednesdays from 5:00 - 7:00. If you would like to be in my production of Princess and the Pea, please call or email me as soon as possible. Thanks.
Again, I am so proud of all of you. You did a great job this weekend. But, don't stop working now that we've opened. Continue to work on your lines, blocking, music, and choreography.
Also, please continue to promote the show and sell tickets! You are all amazing, and I want everyone to see you.
Joshua Clark
281-755-4364
JoshActingUp@gmail.com
Friday, February 24, 2012
WOW!!!
Amazing opening night, everyone! It is such a beautiful show, and I am beyond proud of all of you! You had the audience with you every step of the way.
Second show can be a let down sometimes, after the adrenaline rush of opening--to avoid that, get plenty of rest tomorrow, review things in your head sometime during the day, and come ready to Bring It!
For tomorrow, call time is 6:30 again. Warm-ups will begin at 7:00, so if you know you need extra time to get everything done, it would be a good idea to show up before 6:30.
After you get your microphone, be sure to do a mic check.
After the show, we have to move everything out of the wings and a couple of the platforms for the Sunday church service, so we may need a little help to get it done quickly.
Please let me know if you need anything-- my cell # is 832-248-8053.
Love you all!
Amy
Second show can be a let down sometimes, after the adrenaline rush of opening--to avoid that, get plenty of rest tomorrow, review things in your head sometime during the day, and come ready to Bring It!
For tomorrow, call time is 6:30 again. Warm-ups will begin at 7:00, so if you know you need extra time to get everything done, it would be a good idea to show up before 6:30.
After you get your microphone, be sure to do a mic check.
After the show, we have to move everything out of the wings and a couple of the platforms for the Sunday church service, so we may need a little help to get it done quickly.
Please let me know if you need anything-- my cell # is 832-248-8053.
Love you all!
Amy
Cat in the Hat - HATS!
Cast, Production Team and Parents
We are selling Cat in the Hat - HATS at our show. We have a special price for cast members, production team members, and immediate family members of only $6! We will be selling them to our patrons for $8.
Please let us know how many hats you would like to purchase.
See you tonight!
Bob
We are selling Cat in the Hat - HATS at our show. We have a special price for cast members, production team members, and immediate family members of only $6! We will be selling them to our patrons for $8.
Please let us know how many hats you would like to purchase.
See you tonight!
Bob
OPENING NIGHT!!!!
Wow, we're finally here, and I am SO excited to present this tremendous show--you are going to WOW everyone who attends!
Here is tonight's schedule:
5:00 Fish (only those in "fish flop" arrive for choreography
6:00 Circus arrives for choreography
6:30 Official Call time for everyone—costumes, microphones, makeup
7:00 If you have a microphone, be sure to get mic check during this time.
7:15 Everyone onstage for warm-ups, circle
7:30 Cast sequestered offstage, Doors open
7:45 Optional prayer time--behind drop
8:00 HERE WE GO!!!!!
REMINDERS:
No picture taking or videos allowed during performances.
Vending machines and lobby restrooms are off limits tonight and tomorrow night due to Home and Garden Show.
See you tonight, everyone!
Amy
Here is tonight's schedule:
5:00 Fish (only those in "fish flop" arrive for choreography
6:00 Circus arrives for choreography
6:30 Official Call time for everyone—costumes, microphones, makeup
7:00 If you have a microphone, be sure to get mic check during this time.
7:15 Everyone onstage for warm-ups, circle
7:30 Cast sequestered offstage, Doors open
7:45 Optional prayer time--behind drop
8:00 HERE WE GO!!!!!
REMINDERS:
No picture taking or videos allowed during performances.
Vending machines and lobby restrooms are off limits tonight and tomorrow night due to Home and Garden Show.
See you tonight, everyone!
Amy
Notes from Thursday Tech
First, here are your notes from Mrs Debbie:
CAST MUSIC NOTES
I've said it before and I say it again now.....I'm SO incredibly proud of you all! As I said last night, I was just a little scared at the beginning of the week. After our final rehearsals, though, I'm ready for the egg to hatch!! WE HAVE A SHOW!!!!!
Since I was only able to be there for the second act tonight, my notes aren't complete. Mr. Josh and others listened well, though, and took notes. I heard excellent reports about the first act, and experienced great things for myself in Act 2. What I have is nit-picky, because you've all grown and worked and become the singers/actors/dancers we've known were inside each of you. Reach just a little deeper each night, folks, and the ride will be beautiful!
Our Story Resumes - Cat, your entrance was late, which nearly interfered with Horton's lines. JoJo, you didn't start your lines until it was time for Cat to speak again. Your lines begin immediately after Cat stops speaking "...and their whole town was scrapped." Your lines happen over the music playing "Oh, the Thinks". Bird Girls, nice "ah's" and "la-la's"!!
Egg, Nest, and Tree - Sour Kangaroo and Young Kangaroo, you two are just OUT OF THIS WORLD! Right on the money! Everyone, any men singing are requested to get as close to mics as possible. You simply aren't coming through loud enough. We need your cool lines: "egg, nest, and tree!" Ladies, let the men get close to those mics as much as possible.
Circus McGurkus - Cat, WOW! You can really spit the words out, girl! Work on those last lines being just a little faster so you're ready to sing on the downbeat of Part 2. Everyone, be sure you come in on Part 2 (review notes if you don't know them) to support Cat. On "Come see the show!", give a really hard "K"; otherwise, it sounds like "Gum see the show!" :-) Cat (again), so much better on that virtually impossible section "And now, all you folks..." You got through it! AND you were finished and ready to sing on time! Again, everyone, support Cat on those "oh's" and "ah's" at the end of Part 2. Great, solid Part 3!
Circus on Tour - Horton, you're nailing it! Who said you couldn't do this? Pish posh!! Even when you're sick, you're amazing!
Alone in the Universe/Solla Sollew - Horton, very nice timing! Thank you for working to smooth this out. Keep it up. Just remember to keep it tender and caring. The emotion is more important than how perfect the notes are. Everyone, again, but especially men, your voices are needed, even on the tender songs like this. The more parts on this song, the better. Mrs Mayor and JoJo, after you sing unison on "On the day I do," you switch to harmony on "...be through". You two bring out the harmony. We'll huddle on it tomorrow before the show.
Butter Battle/Saving Private JoJo - JoJo, nice pacing on your lines "And not only that, sir..." General, think of something to do to use those few seconds waiting for the music to change. It just makes more sense musically when your lines are delivered over the new music in Saving Private JoJo.
Whos Christmas Pageant/Roast Beast - Whos, again, solid entrance. We need to run the notes for the 2nd set of "Fa-la-la's", though. You're close. We'll get there! Grinch, nice pacing! You were RIGHT THERE for your sung lines! Thank you!
A Message from the Front - General, you were awesome! Thank you for that great entrance on your spoken lines! M/M Mayor, the tenderness was there tonight.....very nice! Sometimes, though, when we lighten up our tone to achieve that tenderness, the diction goes soft, which it did. Work really hard to keep the consonants crisp even when it's soft and tender.
Havin' a Hunch - Everyone, great job on those scary voices and echoes! Keep up the great work! Cat, you MUST slow the pace after JoJo's lines: "...and you won't go away!" It creates an anxiousness in you and JoJo anticipating the music start for Part 3. When you slowed those lines last night, IT WORKED BEAUTIFULLY going into Part 3! You simply CAN'T begin Part 3 before the music, though. Everyone, again, we need good, solid lower parts on Part 4. The upper notes are coming through beautifully; let's get the bottom notes balanced out a little better. Cat and Everyone, the ending MUST GO FASTER! Your entrance on your final "Anything's possible!" was WAY too far behind the beat. Keep the same beat going with your final phrase and DON'T let it slow! Cat, be confident and lead this in a strong way.
All for You - Gertrude, I can't say it enough.......you're unbelievable! Mmmuuuaaahhh! Bird Girls, same for you!! Love the pause before "...sailed on a junk..." Glad we could make it happen! Bird Girls, as Gertrude is holding on "...and I haven't gone through!", put a tiny space after the final "ah" note, then come right back in on "I...La-la-la...", which was much crisper tonight. Thank you! The final "ah's" and "ooh's" are nearly there. Thank you for all your hard work and diligence on such a tough song!
The Whos Return - Horton, be sure you put a slight pause after you say, "Oh, JoJo! Hello!" Once the music starts, you can then finish your spoken lines and I don't believe there will be as much wait time before you begin singing. M/M Mayor, JoJo, Horton, Gertrude, we almost have that awkward wait gone at the end. Try slowing slightly on "...no matter how..."
The People vs. Horton the Elephant - Wickershams, NICE timing on your "Ha!", "Ha!" to begin this song! Thank you! When you sing and hold, "You're gonna be, gonna be, gonna be...", cut off and let the Kangaroos sing "gonna be put..." alone. You then join again speaking "on trial!" Cat, be careful on your diction. By now, you're probably exhausted, girl! Your body has remained energized for stage presence, but your jaw, teeth, and tongue need to come along for the final push. Work it, girl! Everyone, when you sing "Horton...", be sure the "t" doesn't get swallowed and become "Hordn". Keep it crisp and clean. Wickershams, we'll work the "sittin' on an egg" bit...you're SO close. Horton, the transition into "You can throw me in jail..." is much better. Just keep working on a natural feel there. Yertle, great timing....thanks! JoJo, GREAT "YOPP!!!!!" Kangaroos, excellent tenderness and compassion on "And the young kangaroo..." Simply awesome! Nice timing on the "An Elephant Bird!" Horton/Gertrude, thank you for those oh-so important lines after the Elephant Bird appears!! Great pacing, too, on the spoken and sung lines! Cat, MUCH better pacing enjoying the sweetness of that moment! Thank you!!
Finale 2 - Everyone, great timing as the music starts to accelerate!!! You are all FANTASTIC!!! Keep those parts coming, too!! Again, Elephant Bird, YOU'RE JUST FABULOUS!
Bows - "By George, I think we've got it!!!" Great job, everyone! We'll run it again tomorrow for good "measure" (ha-ha!), but it sounds and looks wonderful! Keep those consonants going to the very last word so everyone understands the bows, especially since they haven't heard this anywhere else in the show. Superb!
Eat your Wheaties, sleep well, rest voices, drink LOTS of water, and remember............ I LOVE YOU ALL!!!!! BREAK A LEG!!!
Now here are all of my notes:
First off, I am so proud of all of you. This is a truly amazing show. You have done such a great job. I can't imagine being any prouder is a cast. I love you all. Thank you so much for all your hard work. It has truly paid off.
Make sure you are center stage if you are supposed to be.
Bring action down onto the apron.
Make sure you don't hit your microphone when doing your choreography
Cat - GREAT facial expressions during "Oh the Thinks you can think"
Thing 1 and 2 - ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!
Thing 1 and Thing 2 - Make sure you have your flashlights for "think a glimmer of light". We have them, you'll have to get them duing "Think of something Horrible and Harry" or, we could have them preset on stage somewhere.
We need to get rid of Horton's trunk.
At the end of oh the thinks you can think, several people's hands went down too soon. Primarily, it was the people on downstage left at the end of the song.
Make lots of jungle noises as you exit after Oh the thinks you can think.
Jungle Creatures, make lots of animal noises when you come onstage before the "Who Who wah dah's"
Thing 1 and 2 - To the best of your ability, try to drum to the beat
JoJo - You missed your line "Horton the elephant" in horton hears a who
Horton, when you first hear the clover, react bigger, look like you are actually hearing someone.
Horton, great reactions when you say that they may blow in the pool because they are alone in the universe. Perfect!
Cat and the Hat and JoJo in the background during Horton hears a who was great. Love your facial expressions.
Horton, I love your facial expressions when you put the speck on the clover
Young Kangaroo - You ROCK!
Sour Kangaroo - Absolutely AMAZING! You own that stage!
Young Kangaroo - So cute
Wickershams, more monkey noise after "Ha Ha Ha it's the wickersham brothers"
Cat, when you do the reporter bit, you need to be center stage between horton and gertrude so that you can actually hold the microphone to the clover?
Horton, durring biggest blame fool, do less listening to the speck, and more pretending to talk to the speck
Wickershams, be careful, you almost pushed horton off the front of the stage
Biggest Blame fool was AMAZING! Great job everyone!
After biggest blame fool, start laughing and making animal noises, and slowly start walking off-stage before the "Who, who Wah dah's"
When Gertrude is singing about horton after biggest blame fool. It is so sweet. I love it.
Also, JoJo's face in the background watching was so perfect. Great Job Natalie!
I love the cat miming, "Help", but make it bigger.
after "over and over", Mayor, you need to actually say help. This one is not in the music. It's all you. Also, this way you will already be in place for Here on who.
During here on who, it was stage right heavy. If Mr And Mrs Mayor come down onto the apron, everyone can take a few steps stage left. Everyone just spread out a lil.
Grinch, more green on your face. I will do it tonight.
Horton, when you say "no smaller town than yours" with your smile and laugh, it's so funny. I love it.
Thing 1 and 2, we need to work on the marching band part.
Levels around grinch during "Mr Grinch presents his Christmas tale" are perfect
Grinch, your voice is perfect!
There may not be a lot of movement at some places in here on who, but there needs to be animated faces, and you need to react to what's going on.
If you have to yawn on stage, Find a way to hide it
Here on who choreography looks great! the best it's ever been. So proud of you. Way to go!!
Leslie is the Prefect Mrs Mayor. Outstanding!
Shamus is an amazing Mr Mayor.
Mr and Mrs Mayor have great chemistry and play off each other really well.
The McDaniels all have great facial expressions in Here on who.
Evan, Shaun, and DJ all had great facial expressions
The general is perfect!
The cat lights up the stage whenever she comes on stage.
The Cats reactions are amazing!
Great cover Raegan when the music messed up. Perfect!
Tub needs to come about three more feet towards center stage
I'm amazed! The music messed up, but Raegan and Natalie stayed in character and Raegan covered it perfectly. So impressed.
Natalie, work on your lines for It's possible. But you didn't let it throw you. You never dropped character. Good job.
Raegan, great job covering and helping JoJo
The Fish look really good.
The Fish are AMAZING!
Things 1 and 2 need to hold their nets either above their heads or out in front of them because the nets are blending in with their hair
WHen Jojo starts singing "Oh the sea is so full of a number of fish", be center stage, not downstage right
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the way shamus walks in after it's possible, pretending that the tub has overflowed. It's the funniest thing ever.
Raegan, great job scrubbing your self with the pink bath sponge. SO Funny.
End of it's possible is AMAZING!
Mr and Mrs Mayor are AMAZING! They messed up your music but you never skipped a beat. You stayed in character and covered it beautifully. So impressed by both of you.
Everytime the Cat is on stage, it's so funny.
I love when Shamus and Leslie are reading the brochure together. So Good.
Love The General!!!
The spray tan bit doesn't work, so, just can it. It is too fast, and it doesn't play from the audience. So forget about the spray tan
Your swords need to either all be open or all be closed. and the need to be on the same side of your body.
Military Academy, GREAT JOB! Best that you've ever done it
After you pull out your swords out, keep your swords in your hand.
Jojo, act like the sword is heavy
I love the way that the Cat and thing 1 and thing 2 interact with each other. It's AMAZING!
I love the Cat marching off with the sword.
JoJo walking over and sitting on the platform looked great
JoJo needs to look sadder at beginning of alone in the universe
Horton, come down stage as soon as you come on stage for alone in the universe
JoJo should look like she's crying.
I love Horton's ears!!!
I love the Clover! Looks great!
WHen Horton sings, "I have wings and I can fly" it is so touching. Perfect job Nick.
Natalie, look a little more hopeful during alone in the universe
JoJo, look more suprised when you first hear horton
Horton you had a great reaction when you first heard JoJo
Great chemistry between Horton and JoJo
End of alone in the universe was perfect
Natalie has such amazing facial expressions!
Natalie Rocks!
At the end of alone in the universe, JoJo needs to start to exit downstage left. and the Cat needs to come in from upstage left to surprise JoJo, rather than having JoJo just wait center stage
Both Things need to bring out Gertrude, not just one of them
I LOVE GERTRUDE!! SO GOOD!!!
I love mayzie seaking through the trees.
The contrast between Gertrude and mayzie is perfect!
Janessa, when you smack chaney on the butt, make it more obvious what you are doing, right now you are so close to her that it doesn't play.
During AMAZING MAYZIE taylor rocked it! I was blown away! Taylor Hall Great Job. You were by far the most animated and were without a doubt my favorite bird girl to watch the entire show. Way to step it up.
Amazing Mayzie was..... AMAZING!!! Great Job everyone!
I love the cat as the doctor. So funny.
After gertrude eats the pillsberrys, I need to see more eager anticipation from everyone before they pull her feathers out.
Make sure you don't pull gertrudes feathers completely out. But, everyone stayed in character and covered it beautifully
I love gertrude walking over to mayzie! It was perfect. Keep it.
Cat had a great cover when JoJo forgot her lines after amazing Gertrude
Wickershams entrance for monkey around was great. But you all need to make more noise on your entrance.
On "scared to death from head to tail" wickershams need to creep towards horton bigger and slower
Horton, look more frantic when they take your clover
Horton, Great interacting with the audience. Perfect! Exactly what I wanted.
Cat - Use better diction for the helicopter reporter, I couldn't understand a single word
Horton needs to look more earnest in trying to get the clover back.
The wickershams need to do a better job of tempting Horton with the clover. The way you play keep away is to almost let the person get what they want and at the last second, pass it away.
Vlad is AWESOME!!!
Horton, The slow motion running was great.
Wickershams, don't grab horton's tail
I love the Cat and JoJo sitting on the box! AMAZING Facial expressions!
Horton, I love the panting like you are out of breath
The slow motion moving from everyone was great.
The cat's face when she takes the clover is perfect!
I loved thing one moving the frozen people to get the clovers on. In fact, you can move more people out of your way.
Way to not drop character Will. AWESOME JOB!
Vlad and Horton need to freeze downstage Left so they can bring the clovers on right in front of you.
Tayor Hall, OUTSTANDING!!! You were on tonight!
Caroline, Alejandro, and Sam Hackett, great facial expressions when frozen.
Morgan is AMAZING!!! You were phenomenal every time you were on stage. Great Job! Keep it up.
Everyone needs to be more disgusted when the cat sneezes on the clover. especially the who's. And, everyone needs to exit quicker after the sneeze.
Horton you did a great job looking for the the clover. You really brought it tonight! AMAZING!
Horton, Your third "Are you there" before the song starts, pick up the Huge Clover
Gertrude, You ROCK!!!
Great chemistry! Notice me Horton was my favorite number so far!
Mayzie, make sure you don't hit the jungle drop with your leaves
Cat, your facial expressions are perfect!
Thing 1 and 2 make sure your hold your instruments properly
Mayzie, you are perfect!!! Phenomenal
I love hortons reaction when Mayzie asks him to sit on the tree
I love mayzie's makeup.
I Love Horton's "oooohhhhh" before he climbs the tree
Horton, when you climb the tree, it was perfect! Funniest thing I've ever seen
Taylor Hall... So animated! So good. Looks and acts like a bird. Keep it up.
All the Bird Girls, Outstanding!!! Love the switching of the umbrellas.
I love the way you interact with each other. You are SOOOOO GOOD!
The Bird Girls are AMAZING!
Horton freak out more when you find out mayzie is in palm beach
Animals, run on faster and closer together. You need to come on before the hunters
Mayzie, when you are on stage frozen, for act one finale, your facial expression was perfect. The best out of everyone!
Gertrude, I love you getting tangled up in your tail.
JoJo, remember to fall on "when you land with a thud"
Act 1 Finale was AMAZING!!!! Definitely ended act 1 on a high point.
In Monkey around, alejandro and wyatt need to be next to each other for "It's bigger than a bread box", so that alejandro can be picked up on wyatt's mike.
Raegan, when you are doing Miranda Sings, make it a little more obvious that you are singing that way on purpose. Be a little louder and more intentional
I love the echoing that the cat does at the start of act 2
Thing 1 and 2 opening the curtain looks great!
General and JoJo were way late for the start of act 2 after the grand opens
I could see Gertrude's mic belt
Horton needs to look more worried on top of the tree
Young kangaroo and Sour Kangaroo ROCK IT!
Thing one and two, we need to work on the rocking of the boat.
the reaction when horton throws up need to be bigger.
Things, make sure you don't turn the back of the box to the audience, and make sure the door is locked before you move it.
I love the cat's Seusseby announcer voice. You brought it tonight! You were spot on! Keep it up.
Kathleen, the leaves will be on the back of the tree. At intermission, you can preset them in front of the tree. But, great cover when you couldn't find them. AMAZING JOB KATHLEEN!
Circus people look great
Great facial expressions from Kelsey, Abby, Alex
DJ and Ally, great job with the balloons. Try to be faster.
DJ, make sure the handle of the balloon sword comes out the bottom, not the side.
After and before your tumbling runs, do not just stand there. My circus performers should never stand still. fill up the stage.
Shaun is Brilliant. GREAT JOB!
Great facial expressions from Emma, Emily, Jessica, Sarah Caster, Caroline.
Caroline and will, take off your green shirts before circus if you have time
Circus animals, make lots of noise and exit in character after circus mcgurkus
Horton, I loved your "Help" before mayzie in palm beach, but make it bigger and even more desperate
Raegan, I love the big hoop earrings.
Cat, great job! SO Funny.
Mayzie, you were on tonight! You rocked it! Unbelievable!
Mayzie, after you decide to go to the circus, move upstage faster so that the tumbling runs can happen in front of you.
I love the way Mayzie acts and sings during Amazing Horton.
Horton, bigger reactions
Horton, when Mayzie says the egg is all yours, make a much bigger reaction also, when she leaves before solla Sollew.
Nick, Solla Sollew was truly Beautiful. I can't imagine a better horton
At the beginning of solla Sollew try cradeling the egg a lil.
circus people come on slower
Natalie and Nick, Solla Sollew was perfect!
Solla Sollew gave me goosebumps
Horton, I love the crying after solla Sollew. Try to continue it until the tree is offstage.
Cadets, you are not all mic'd so be extra loud.
Cadets, after JoJo is blown up, cry as you go offstage
Grinch, you are amazing!!
Courtney, be next to Hannah in the Christmas scene.
Jordan, is SOOOO CUUTE!
Dana, AMAZING JOB when Mr and Mrs mayor find out JoJo is dead
Leslie, be more heartbroken when you find out JoJo is dead.
Cat - Great Job. Keep it up. So good.
JoJo - after the reenactment, don't come out on stage until the "pop" in the explosion
JoJo, come more down stage for your solo before Hunch song
Hunches were AMAZING!
Hunches, make sure your palms are facing the audience
During the Hunch Song, Morgan is PERFECT!!!! So proud of you. Keep it up. YOU ROCK!
Morgan is always doing EXACTLY what I want her to do in every single scene.
Raegan, love your reactions
Hunches, interact with the audience more, spread out through the audience and not just on one side. Stay in the audience until "ANYTHING's POSSIBLE"
Horton, love your snoring.
CHaney, you are SOOO AMAZING!!
Bird Girls were AMAZING!
Thing 1, after the dog part and you get hit on the head, move off stage faster
CHaney is Brilliant
Birdgirls are AMAZING!
Great facial expressions Alex.
Mayzie, PERFECT!!!
Wickershams, AMAZING! PERFECT!!!
Thing 1 and 2, Outstanding
Anna Conover, GREAT
Cat, we need to make sure your badge is facing out, or get rid of it
Bird girls and Sour Kangaroo, Perfect.
Horton's "STOP" need to be more frantic.
I love the Jungle noises in People versus Horton the elephant.
The freeze in Boil it looked Great!
ELISHA, AMAZING!
The "JoJo, think of someting" needs to be louder and clearer
ELephant Bird is SOOOOOO Cute
As soon as Gracie stands up, we need everyone to say "An Elephant Bird". Don't worry about the "Awwww"
So touching at the end of the show.
Elephant bird, hug gertrude and Horton.
Bows looked great!
Bow in character. Most of you are anyway.
Make lots of animal noises as you are getting ready for bows.
Between singing parts in bows. show me the most energy you've had in the entire show. Rock it! Dance, and groove in character. Tons of energy! Try to engage the audience. This needs to have more energy than anything in the show.
We have a show! Great Job!
So proud of all of you! I will be at the Berry Center at 5:00. Break a leg tonight!
CAST MUSIC NOTES
I've said it before and I say it again now.....I'm SO incredibly proud of you all! As I said last night, I was just a little scared at the beginning of the week. After our final rehearsals, though, I'm ready for the egg to hatch!! WE HAVE A SHOW!!!!!
Since I was only able to be there for the second act tonight, my notes aren't complete. Mr. Josh and others listened well, though, and took notes. I heard excellent reports about the first act, and experienced great things for myself in Act 2. What I have is nit-picky, because you've all grown and worked and become the singers/actors/dancers we've known were inside each of you. Reach just a little deeper each night, folks, and the ride will be beautiful!
Our Story Resumes - Cat, your entrance was late, which nearly interfered with Horton's lines. JoJo, you didn't start your lines until it was time for Cat to speak again. Your lines begin immediately after Cat stops speaking "...and their whole town was scrapped." Your lines happen over the music playing "Oh, the Thinks". Bird Girls, nice "ah's" and "la-la's"!!
Egg, Nest, and Tree - Sour Kangaroo and Young Kangaroo, you two are just OUT OF THIS WORLD! Right on the money! Everyone, any men singing are requested to get as close to mics as possible. You simply aren't coming through loud enough. We need your cool lines: "egg, nest, and tree!" Ladies, let the men get close to those mics as much as possible.
Circus McGurkus - Cat, WOW! You can really spit the words out, girl! Work on those last lines being just a little faster so you're ready to sing on the downbeat of Part 2. Everyone, be sure you come in on Part 2 (review notes if you don't know them) to support Cat. On "Come see the show!", give a really hard "K"; otherwise, it sounds like "Gum see the show!" :-) Cat (again), so much better on that virtually impossible section "And now, all you folks..." You got through it! AND you were finished and ready to sing on time! Again, everyone, support Cat on those "oh's" and "ah's" at the end of Part 2. Great, solid Part 3!
Circus on Tour - Horton, you're nailing it! Who said you couldn't do this? Pish posh!! Even when you're sick, you're amazing!
Alone in the Universe/Solla Sollew - Horton, very nice timing! Thank you for working to smooth this out. Keep it up. Just remember to keep it tender and caring. The emotion is more important than how perfect the notes are. Everyone, again, but especially men, your voices are needed, even on the tender songs like this. The more parts on this song, the better. Mrs Mayor and JoJo, after you sing unison on "On the day I do," you switch to harmony on "...be through". You two bring out the harmony. We'll huddle on it tomorrow before the show.
Butter Battle/Saving Private JoJo - JoJo, nice pacing on your lines "And not only that, sir..." General, think of something to do to use those few seconds waiting for the music to change. It just makes more sense musically when your lines are delivered over the new music in Saving Private JoJo.
Whos Christmas Pageant/Roast Beast - Whos, again, solid entrance. We need to run the notes for the 2nd set of "Fa-la-la's", though. You're close. We'll get there! Grinch, nice pacing! You were RIGHT THERE for your sung lines! Thank you!
A Message from the Front - General, you were awesome! Thank you for that great entrance on your spoken lines! M/M Mayor, the tenderness was there tonight.....very nice! Sometimes, though, when we lighten up our tone to achieve that tenderness, the diction goes soft, which it did. Work really hard to keep the consonants crisp even when it's soft and tender.
Havin' a Hunch - Everyone, great job on those scary voices and echoes! Keep up the great work! Cat, you MUST slow the pace after JoJo's lines: "...and you won't go away!" It creates an anxiousness in you and JoJo anticipating the music start for Part 3. When you slowed those lines last night, IT WORKED BEAUTIFULLY going into Part 3! You simply CAN'T begin Part 3 before the music, though. Everyone, again, we need good, solid lower parts on Part 4. The upper notes are coming through beautifully; let's get the bottom notes balanced out a little better. Cat and Everyone, the ending MUST GO FASTER! Your entrance on your final "Anything's possible!" was WAY too far behind the beat. Keep the same beat going with your final phrase and DON'T let it slow! Cat, be confident and lead this in a strong way.
All for You - Gertrude, I can't say it enough.......you're unbelievable! Mmmuuuaaahhh! Bird Girls, same for you!! Love the pause before "...sailed on a junk..." Glad we could make it happen! Bird Girls, as Gertrude is holding on "...and I haven't gone through!", put a tiny space after the final "ah" note, then come right back in on "I...La-la-la...", which was much crisper tonight. Thank you! The final "ah's" and "ooh's" are nearly there. Thank you for all your hard work and diligence on such a tough song!
The Whos Return - Horton, be sure you put a slight pause after you say, "Oh, JoJo! Hello!" Once the music starts, you can then finish your spoken lines and I don't believe there will be as much wait time before you begin singing. M/M Mayor, JoJo, Horton, Gertrude, we almost have that awkward wait gone at the end. Try slowing slightly on "...no matter how..."
The People vs. Horton the Elephant - Wickershams, NICE timing on your "Ha!", "Ha!" to begin this song! Thank you! When you sing and hold, "You're gonna be, gonna be, gonna be...", cut off and let the Kangaroos sing "gonna be put..." alone. You then join again speaking "on trial!" Cat, be careful on your diction. By now, you're probably exhausted, girl! Your body has remained energized for stage presence, but your jaw, teeth, and tongue need to come along for the final push. Work it, girl! Everyone, when you sing "Horton...", be sure the "t" doesn't get swallowed and become "Hordn". Keep it crisp and clean. Wickershams, we'll work the "sittin' on an egg" bit...you're SO close. Horton, the transition into "You can throw me in jail..." is much better. Just keep working on a natural feel there. Yertle, great timing....thanks! JoJo, GREAT "YOPP!!!!!" Kangaroos, excellent tenderness and compassion on "And the young kangaroo..." Simply awesome! Nice timing on the "An Elephant Bird!" Horton/Gertrude, thank you for those oh-so important lines after the Elephant Bird appears!! Great pacing, too, on the spoken and sung lines! Cat, MUCH better pacing enjoying the sweetness of that moment! Thank you!!
Finale 2 - Everyone, great timing as the music starts to accelerate!!! You are all FANTASTIC!!! Keep those parts coming, too!! Again, Elephant Bird, YOU'RE JUST FABULOUS!
Bows - "By George, I think we've got it!!!" Great job, everyone! We'll run it again tomorrow for good "measure" (ha-ha!), but it sounds and looks wonderful! Keep those consonants going to the very last word so everyone understands the bows, especially since they haven't heard this anywhere else in the show. Superb!
Eat your Wheaties, sleep well, rest voices, drink LOTS of water, and remember............ I LOVE YOU ALL!!!!! BREAK A LEG!!!
Now here are all of my notes:
First off, I am so proud of all of you. This is a truly amazing show. You have done such a great job. I can't imagine being any prouder is a cast. I love you all. Thank you so much for all your hard work. It has truly paid off.
Make sure you are center stage if you are supposed to be.
Bring action down onto the apron.
Make sure you don't hit your microphone when doing your choreography
Cat - GREAT facial expressions during "Oh the Thinks you can think"
Thing 1 and 2 - ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!
Thing 1 and Thing 2 - Make sure you have your flashlights for "think a glimmer of light". We have them, you'll have to get them duing "Think of something Horrible and Harry" or, we could have them preset on stage somewhere.
We need to get rid of Horton's trunk.
At the end of oh the thinks you can think, several people's hands went down too soon. Primarily, it was the people on downstage left at the end of the song.
Make lots of jungle noises as you exit after Oh the thinks you can think.
Jungle Creatures, make lots of animal noises when you come onstage before the "Who Who wah dah's"
Thing 1 and 2 - To the best of your ability, try to drum to the beat
JoJo - You missed your line "Horton the elephant" in horton hears a who
Horton, when you first hear the clover, react bigger, look like you are actually hearing someone.
Horton, great reactions when you say that they may blow in the pool because they are alone in the universe. Perfect!
Cat and the Hat and JoJo in the background during Horton hears a who was great. Love your facial expressions.
Horton, I love your facial expressions when you put the speck on the clover
Young Kangaroo - You ROCK!
Sour Kangaroo - Absolutely AMAZING! You own that stage!
Young Kangaroo - So cute
Wickershams, more monkey noise after "Ha Ha Ha it's the wickersham brothers"
Cat, when you do the reporter bit, you need to be center stage between horton and gertrude so that you can actually hold the microphone to the clover?
Horton, durring biggest blame fool, do less listening to the speck, and more pretending to talk to the speck
Wickershams, be careful, you almost pushed horton off the front of the stage
Biggest Blame fool was AMAZING! Great job everyone!
After biggest blame fool, start laughing and making animal noises, and slowly start walking off-stage before the "Who, who Wah dah's"
When Gertrude is singing about horton after biggest blame fool. It is so sweet. I love it.
Also, JoJo's face in the background watching was so perfect. Great Job Natalie!
I love the cat miming, "Help", but make it bigger.
after "over and over", Mayor, you need to actually say help. This one is not in the music. It's all you. Also, this way you will already be in place for Here on who.
During here on who, it was stage right heavy. If Mr And Mrs Mayor come down onto the apron, everyone can take a few steps stage left. Everyone just spread out a lil.
Grinch, more green on your face. I will do it tonight.
Horton, when you say "no smaller town than yours" with your smile and laugh, it's so funny. I love it.
Thing 1 and 2, we need to work on the marching band part.
Levels around grinch during "Mr Grinch presents his Christmas tale" are perfect
Grinch, your voice is perfect!
There may not be a lot of movement at some places in here on who, but there needs to be animated faces, and you need to react to what's going on.
If you have to yawn on stage, Find a way to hide it
Here on who choreography looks great! the best it's ever been. So proud of you. Way to go!!
Leslie is the Prefect Mrs Mayor. Outstanding!
Shamus is an amazing Mr Mayor.
Mr and Mrs Mayor have great chemistry and play off each other really well.
The McDaniels all have great facial expressions in Here on who.
Evan, Shaun, and DJ all had great facial expressions
The general is perfect!
The cat lights up the stage whenever she comes on stage.
The Cats reactions are amazing!
Great cover Raegan when the music messed up. Perfect!
Tub needs to come about three more feet towards center stage
I'm amazed! The music messed up, but Raegan and Natalie stayed in character and Raegan covered it perfectly. So impressed.
Natalie, work on your lines for It's possible. But you didn't let it throw you. You never dropped character. Good job.
Raegan, great job covering and helping JoJo
The Fish look really good.
The Fish are AMAZING!
Things 1 and 2 need to hold their nets either above their heads or out in front of them because the nets are blending in with their hair
WHen Jojo starts singing "Oh the sea is so full of a number of fish", be center stage, not downstage right
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the way shamus walks in after it's possible, pretending that the tub has overflowed. It's the funniest thing ever.
Raegan, great job scrubbing your self with the pink bath sponge. SO Funny.
End of it's possible is AMAZING!
Mr and Mrs Mayor are AMAZING! They messed up your music but you never skipped a beat. You stayed in character and covered it beautifully. So impressed by both of you.
Everytime the Cat is on stage, it's so funny.
I love when Shamus and Leslie are reading the brochure together. So Good.
Love The General!!!
The spray tan bit doesn't work, so, just can it. It is too fast, and it doesn't play from the audience. So forget about the spray tan
Your swords need to either all be open or all be closed. and the need to be on the same side of your body.
Military Academy, GREAT JOB! Best that you've ever done it
After you pull out your swords out, keep your swords in your hand.
Jojo, act like the sword is heavy
I love the way that the Cat and thing 1 and thing 2 interact with each other. It's AMAZING!
I love the Cat marching off with the sword.
JoJo walking over and sitting on the platform looked great
JoJo needs to look sadder at beginning of alone in the universe
Horton, come down stage as soon as you come on stage for alone in the universe
JoJo should look like she's crying.
I love Horton's ears!!!
I love the Clover! Looks great!
WHen Horton sings, "I have wings and I can fly" it is so touching. Perfect job Nick.
Natalie, look a little more hopeful during alone in the universe
JoJo, look more suprised when you first hear horton
Horton you had a great reaction when you first heard JoJo
Great chemistry between Horton and JoJo
End of alone in the universe was perfect
Natalie has such amazing facial expressions!
Natalie Rocks!
At the end of alone in the universe, JoJo needs to start to exit downstage left. and the Cat needs to come in from upstage left to surprise JoJo, rather than having JoJo just wait center stage
Both Things need to bring out Gertrude, not just one of them
I LOVE GERTRUDE!! SO GOOD!!!
I love mayzie seaking through the trees.
The contrast between Gertrude and mayzie is perfect!
Janessa, when you smack chaney on the butt, make it more obvious what you are doing, right now you are so close to her that it doesn't play.
During AMAZING MAYZIE taylor rocked it! I was blown away! Taylor Hall Great Job. You were by far the most animated and were without a doubt my favorite bird girl to watch the entire show. Way to step it up.
Amazing Mayzie was..... AMAZING!!! Great Job everyone!
I love the cat as the doctor. So funny.
After gertrude eats the pillsberrys, I need to see more eager anticipation from everyone before they pull her feathers out.
Make sure you don't pull gertrudes feathers completely out. But, everyone stayed in character and covered it beautifully
I love gertrude walking over to mayzie! It was perfect. Keep it.
Cat had a great cover when JoJo forgot her lines after amazing Gertrude
Wickershams entrance for monkey around was great. But you all need to make more noise on your entrance.
On "scared to death from head to tail" wickershams need to creep towards horton bigger and slower
Horton, look more frantic when they take your clover
Horton, Great interacting with the audience. Perfect! Exactly what I wanted.
Cat - Use better diction for the helicopter reporter, I couldn't understand a single word
Horton needs to look more earnest in trying to get the clover back.
The wickershams need to do a better job of tempting Horton with the clover. The way you play keep away is to almost let the person get what they want and at the last second, pass it away.
Vlad is AWESOME!!!
Horton, The slow motion running was great.
Wickershams, don't grab horton's tail
I love the Cat and JoJo sitting on the box! AMAZING Facial expressions!
Horton, I love the panting like you are out of breath
The slow motion moving from everyone was great.
The cat's face when she takes the clover is perfect!
I loved thing one moving the frozen people to get the clovers on. In fact, you can move more people out of your way.
Way to not drop character Will. AWESOME JOB!
Vlad and Horton need to freeze downstage Left so they can bring the clovers on right in front of you.
Tayor Hall, OUTSTANDING!!! You were on tonight!
Caroline, Alejandro, and Sam Hackett, great facial expressions when frozen.
Morgan is AMAZING!!! You were phenomenal every time you were on stage. Great Job! Keep it up.
Everyone needs to be more disgusted when the cat sneezes on the clover. especially the who's. And, everyone needs to exit quicker after the sneeze.
Horton you did a great job looking for the the clover. You really brought it tonight! AMAZING!
Horton, Your third "Are you there" before the song starts, pick up the Huge Clover
Gertrude, You ROCK!!!
Great chemistry! Notice me Horton was my favorite number so far!
Mayzie, make sure you don't hit the jungle drop with your leaves
Cat, your facial expressions are perfect!
Thing 1 and 2 make sure your hold your instruments properly
Mayzie, you are perfect!!! Phenomenal
I love hortons reaction when Mayzie asks him to sit on the tree
I love mayzie's makeup.
I Love Horton's "oooohhhhh" before he climbs the tree
Horton, when you climb the tree, it was perfect! Funniest thing I've ever seen
Taylor Hall... So animated! So good. Looks and acts like a bird. Keep it up.
All the Bird Girls, Outstanding!!! Love the switching of the umbrellas.
I love the way you interact with each other. You are SOOOOO GOOD!
The Bird Girls are AMAZING!
Horton freak out more when you find out mayzie is in palm beach
Animals, run on faster and closer together. You need to come on before the hunters
Mayzie, when you are on stage frozen, for act one finale, your facial expression was perfect. The best out of everyone!
Gertrude, I love you getting tangled up in your tail.
JoJo, remember to fall on "when you land with a thud"
Act 1 Finale was AMAZING!!!! Definitely ended act 1 on a high point.
In Monkey around, alejandro and wyatt need to be next to each other for "It's bigger than a bread box", so that alejandro can be picked up on wyatt's mike.
Raegan, when you are doing Miranda Sings, make it a little more obvious that you are singing that way on purpose. Be a little louder and more intentional
I love the echoing that the cat does at the start of act 2
Thing 1 and 2 opening the curtain looks great!
General and JoJo were way late for the start of act 2 after the grand opens
I could see Gertrude's mic belt
Horton needs to look more worried on top of the tree
Young kangaroo and Sour Kangaroo ROCK IT!
Thing one and two, we need to work on the rocking of the boat.
the reaction when horton throws up need to be bigger.
Things, make sure you don't turn the back of the box to the audience, and make sure the door is locked before you move it.
I love the cat's Seusseby announcer voice. You brought it tonight! You were spot on! Keep it up.
Kathleen, the leaves will be on the back of the tree. At intermission, you can preset them in front of the tree. But, great cover when you couldn't find them. AMAZING JOB KATHLEEN!
Circus people look great
Great facial expressions from Kelsey, Abby, Alex
DJ and Ally, great job with the balloons. Try to be faster.
DJ, make sure the handle of the balloon sword comes out the bottom, not the side.
After and before your tumbling runs, do not just stand there. My circus performers should never stand still. fill up the stage.
Shaun is Brilliant. GREAT JOB!
Great facial expressions from Emma, Emily, Jessica, Sarah Caster, Caroline.
Caroline and will, take off your green shirts before circus if you have time
Circus animals, make lots of noise and exit in character after circus mcgurkus
Horton, I loved your "Help" before mayzie in palm beach, but make it bigger and even more desperate
Raegan, I love the big hoop earrings.
Cat, great job! SO Funny.
Mayzie, you were on tonight! You rocked it! Unbelievable!
Mayzie, after you decide to go to the circus, move upstage faster so that the tumbling runs can happen in front of you.
I love the way Mayzie acts and sings during Amazing Horton.
Horton, bigger reactions
Horton, when Mayzie says the egg is all yours, make a much bigger reaction also, when she leaves before solla Sollew.
Nick, Solla Sollew was truly Beautiful. I can't imagine a better horton
At the beginning of solla Sollew try cradeling the egg a lil.
circus people come on slower
Natalie and Nick, Solla Sollew was perfect!
Solla Sollew gave me goosebumps
Horton, I love the crying after solla Sollew. Try to continue it until the tree is offstage.
Cadets, you are not all mic'd so be extra loud.
Cadets, after JoJo is blown up, cry as you go offstage
Grinch, you are amazing!!
Courtney, be next to Hannah in the Christmas scene.
Jordan, is SOOOO CUUTE!
Dana, AMAZING JOB when Mr and Mrs mayor find out JoJo is dead
Leslie, be more heartbroken when you find out JoJo is dead.
Cat - Great Job. Keep it up. So good.
JoJo - after the reenactment, don't come out on stage until the "pop" in the explosion
JoJo, come more down stage for your solo before Hunch song
Hunches were AMAZING!
Hunches, make sure your palms are facing the audience
During the Hunch Song, Morgan is PERFECT!!!! So proud of you. Keep it up. YOU ROCK!
Morgan is always doing EXACTLY what I want her to do in every single scene.
Raegan, love your reactions
Hunches, interact with the audience more, spread out through the audience and not just on one side. Stay in the audience until "ANYTHING's POSSIBLE"
Horton, love your snoring.
CHaney, you are SOOO AMAZING!!
Bird Girls were AMAZING!
Thing 1, after the dog part and you get hit on the head, move off stage faster
CHaney is Brilliant
Birdgirls are AMAZING!
Great facial expressions Alex.
Mayzie, PERFECT!!!
Wickershams, AMAZING! PERFECT!!!
Thing 1 and 2, Outstanding
Anna Conover, GREAT
Cat, we need to make sure your badge is facing out, or get rid of it
Bird girls and Sour Kangaroo, Perfect.
Horton's "STOP" need to be more frantic.
I love the Jungle noises in People versus Horton the elephant.
The freeze in Boil it looked Great!
ELISHA, AMAZING!
The "JoJo, think of someting" needs to be louder and clearer
ELephant Bird is SOOOOOO Cute
As soon as Gracie stands up, we need everyone to say "An Elephant Bird". Don't worry about the "Awwww"
So touching at the end of the show.
Elephant bird, hug gertrude and Horton.
Bows looked great!
Bow in character. Most of you are anyway.
Make lots of animal noises as you are getting ready for bows.
Between singing parts in bows. show me the most energy you've had in the entire show. Rock it! Dance, and groove in character. Tons of energy! Try to engage the audience. This needs to have more energy than anything in the show.
We have a show! Great Job!
So proud of all of you! I will be at the Berry Center at 5:00. Break a leg tonight!
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Notes from Wednesday
First, here are your nots from Mrs. Debbie:
CAST NOTES
Wow! Last night blew me away! What a HUGE improvement, cast!! Thank you so much for stepping up and becoming everything we knew you could be. The following cast notes are by song. If your song isn't mentioned, that means it was perfect.....don't change a thing!
General Notes
Men, You're needed!!! Sing out as much as possible, but never beyond your best tone.
Everyone, still more beginning and ending consonants are needed. There can never be too much!
Everyone, all mics will be live throughout most of the show, because even if you aren't on stage you're supposed to be singing. Please SING and don't talk. We need your voices! And, if you need to excuse yourself for a moment......well, just don't do it....hold it for 5 hours! Just kidding!! Just make it quick and then return with a live mic to support the cast who is on stage.
All Wickershams MUST have mics! There are solos throughout that aren't being heard. Wickershams, check each other to make sure you've remembered to TURN IT ON.
Young Kangaroo MUST have her mic on! She couldn't be heard all night!
Everyone, I LOVE YOU! You make me SO proud!!!!! Break a leg!! I'll see you late tonight!
Oh, the Thinks - PARTS -- YEA!!!!! It's a beautiful thing! The "...and think...and think...and think" was right on the money. Do it again and again. Just remember to stay with the track hits there, and you'll be fine.
Biggest Blame Fool and Playoff - Sour Kangaroo and Baby, you knock my socks off! Wickershams, excellent job! Don't rush the "Ha, Ha, Ha" when you first come in. Playoff was nice and crisp.
Here on Who - Nice job, people. Change: When you get to the section that breaks down into families, everyone needs to sing every line. We need the added volume since there are no mics for anyone except the Mayor and family. Truffula needs to be pronounced "Truf-fuh-la", not "Truf-few-la". Only are few are pronouncing it wrong, but it really sticks out. Another change: Only M/M Mayor will sing beginning at "the future's in your hands..." and continuing through "You're the only one who hears." All Whos sing again from that point to the end. On the final note, it's fairly short, so please remember to cut off with the bass "plunk" in the track. Again, nice job!
It's Possible - Brilliant, JoJo! Wish we could hear more parts to bring out the great harmonies, but nice when I could hear them.
How to Raise a Child - M/M Mayor, wonderful job, great harmony!
Military - M/M Mayor, SO close on the ending! Rushed just a tiny bit. Listen to track...it's playing the same rhythms. You rock!
Military (Schmitz) - Cadets too early on "that's what makes a boy..." General sings "...boy", there's one more beat, then you guys sing. Looking good, sounding good, though!
Alone in the Universe - Wonderful, guys! Horton, remember ..... no "pop" on phrases, especially when you sing with others.
Gertrude/Mayzie - I love you! Fantastic, ladies! Way to sell it!
Monkey Around - Wickershams, you rock! Solid!
Chasing the Whos - SO much better!!! Still need parts heard, but very close! Men, let 'em hear you, especially on "Cha - sing the Whos"!
Finale, Act 1 - Bird Girls, tremendous! Still need to "tweak" the storm and keep it tuned, but I Love You! Everyone, on that last phrase, hold out "you are!" 4 beats, cut off quickly, then jump right back in. Some are holding and some aren't, so it needs to be nice and clean. Great parts!
Egg, Nest, and Tree - Great opening!! Exciting! Men, I GOTTA HEAR YOU on "egg, nest, and tree."
Circus McGurkus - Cat, unfortunately, your lines have to fly off the tongue even faster than usual on "And now, all you folks..." That part is just plain weird! Everyone, NOTES on "Ah...Come see the show!" Notes, parts, AND words on "Come see the monstrosities..."
Circus on Tour/Palm Beach/Circus - Mayzie, luscious!! Mayzie and Horton, very nice!
Solla Sollew - Parts are gorgeous when I hear them! Clean up diction just a little more throughout the song.
Battle of Butter - JoJo, just a little slower delivery of lines: "And not only that sir, it's Christmas on Who..." That should buy the necessary time to lead into the music change for Schmitz' lines.
Whos Christmas Pageant/Roast Beast - Solid and confident at first! Review pitches for 2nd phrase of "Fa-la-la..." Grinch, you are phenomenal! Just a little too slow on line delivery leading into Roast Beast. Slightly faster line delivery there should set you up perfectly for singing lines on Roast Beast.
A Message from the Front - Schmitz, be sure to come in immediately after 7 "Schmitz" chants. M/M Mayor, "Our perfect little one," should be sung very tenderly. We're going for broken hearts here!
Havin' a Hunch - Great scary voices! Just need a little more of them. Hunches, LOVED your echoes! Havin' a Hunch Part 4 needs LOTS AND LOTS more lower voices! Ending still needs to move a little quicker to your final note. Cat, please lead. You're all awesome!
All for You - Gertrude/Cat, you're superb! Bird Girls, very nice, solid start! Between now and opening, you MUST tighten up the harmonies beginning with the "All for yoo..oo..ou!" to end. Suggestion: find a corner and work each chord slowly to lock in those pitches, then speed it back up once you've got it. They're tough.....but you're tougher......and you're all SO incredible! Last thing, really flip the "l" for separation and clarity on each "la..la-la-la-la....." toward the end.
The People vs. Horton the Elephant - Outstanding start! Great, strong sound! Wickershams, review your "sittin' on an egg....ha..ha..ha" at beginning of Part 3. Horton, almost there on timing of "I meant what I said...." Work toward a more natural feel leading into "You can throw me...." VERY believable when pleading for the Whos......nice job! Yertle, fab-u-lous! Everyone, Part 4 starts with the men/women taking turns: "Boil...it!" Men, I GOTTA HEAR YOU since the women are now remembering to let you sing alone there. Bring it!! Everyone, PLEASE...PLEASE...SEPARATE "Boil....it!" so it doesn't sound like "Boy...lit"!!! JoJo, LOVE the "YOPP!!!"
Yopp!/Alone (Reprise) - JoJo, a little faster delivery of "An Elephant Bird!" line so Horton and Gertrude can get all of their lines in. Horton/Gertrude, very tender moment....nice...milk it! Be sure ALL lines are spoken after JoJo's "An Elephant Bird!". Those lines are too important to be deleted. Cat, pause and enjoy the tenderness just a hair longer to set up the tricky timing for you and JoJo on "The sky became.....pink!"
Finale, Act 2 - Nice parts!!! Careful, though. When everyone comes in on "If you open your mind...", you're rushing just a bit. It does speed up, but not until the end of that phrase and leading into "...oh, the thinks you can find..." Stay with the track. Elephant Bird, you stole my heart! I Love You!!!
Bows - Review in your mind when you each bow, where you go afterward, and, of course, your WORDS! Excellent job tonight!
Now, here are my notes:
Remember, that I care about all of you, and anything that I say is in order to make you better. There some things that I would like to say as your friend, but other things that I have to say as your director.
I still need people to bring the action more downstage.
Quiet offstage.
No cell phones back stage. I could see little glowing screens from the audience.
Be more animated. Remember, this is Dr. Seuss.
JoJo - Slow down your line "or a sort of a kind of a hat wearing cat" in order to give the cat time to get over to you.
Make sure the Red box is unlocked so that thing 1 and 2 aren't trapped.
JoJo - For "Oh the thinks you can think" you need to make sure you are stage right of the cat.
Cat- your hat was casting a shadow over your face, we need to try and put the hat farther back, or just flip the brim up more.
Jungle creatures - when you first come on for jungle of nool, make lots of animal noises until the "Who wha da's". It was too quiet.
If you have a problem in your personal life, you can't let it affect your character. If you are sad, or sick, or upset off stage, you can't let that change how you act on stage. I know that it's hard, but it's part of being an actor. The audience deserves your best every time.
Wickershams - make lots of monkey noise after "Ha, Ha, Ha, it's the wickersham brothers", and continue the noise until it's time to start singing.
Alejandro - Great facial Expressions
Chaney and Nick - Great Chemistry
When you walk on the platforms, try to have soft steps. Don't stomp, because it makes all the platforms shake, including the foam pieces attached to it.
Whos - I need you to all have big smiles. You are supposed to be happy. Most of you are doing this. I need the following who's to smile more: Estus, Shayne, Kyle, Sam, Hannah, Peyton, and Laura Grace.
During the marching Band, things, get with the cat and work on your choreography because it looks like you have no idea what you are doing. We need to clean it up and make it look more intentional.
If you are not on stage during "here on who", make sure you are singing offstage because all of your mics will be on. You are supposed to be singing "here on who" off stage, and I know many of you were not because when they turned your mics on, we heard conversations instead.
During "Here on who", Mr. and Mrs. Mayor need to step down onto the apron.
Learn your lines EXACTLY the way they are written. Make sure you don't paraphrase. It's Seuss. All the words rhyme, so, when you change the words, it's really obvious. The people that this was most noticible with are JoJo, Mr. Mayor, and Horton. So please, review your lines. There are many places that I think you think that you are saying the right words, and you are not. So, just look over all your lines and make sure you are saying exactly what is written, and not kinda what is written.
JoJo and Cat - during "It's Possible" bring it onto the apron more downstage
JoJo - At the end of it's possible, after your parents come in, come downstage, don't go behind the tub
If someone messes up, fix it in character. What would you do in a show if the lights, or set, or sound doesn't work the way its supposed to? What would you do if someone misses a line or an entrance? If you react to everything that happens like it was on purpose, the audience will think that it was. They don't know any different.
Bring the action in every scene downstage if possible.
Mr and Mrs Mayor - I know I originally had you looking just at the brochure instead of at JoJo, but it's not playing the way I thought that it would. So, instead, put the brochure down, and bring JoJo between both of you and focus all your attention on him, like you are getting your kid ready for their first day of school.
Thing 2, you were missing your sword in Military academy.
JoJo - In alone in the universe, sit until it is time to sing.
Everyone - Learn your Lyrics, especially my leads. We have had scripts for many of you since December. There is no reason that you should not be off book. Instead of talking offstage, be running your lines.
JoJo, start to slowly walk offstage SL at the end of alone in the universe rather than just standing center stage waiting for the cat.
Gertrude - Less Eye makeup than what you had on durring amazing gertrude
Raegan - Get with connor tonight, he's taken german, and is going to help you with some of Dr. Dakes pronunciation.
Pillsberry bush needs to be brought on downstage center.
Mayzie - You were AMAZING!
Cat, Thing1, and thing 2, - Durring chasing the who's, stay centerstage with the helicopter until after the cat has finished her lines.
Everyone - Right before How lucky you are, instead of being frozen, I want to try having you move in slow motion instead.
Cat - Get clover from vlad the moment you start singing. In fact, you could even get it right before you start singing.
When you are frozen during How lucky you are, make it a big freeze. I want big facial expressions. I know it's hard, but it looks so good.
Mayzie's tree should be brought on during chasing the who's immediately after the helicopter exits SL.
The two staircase clover fields should be brough on right after the tree.
Wait to bring on the downstage cloverfield until the cat says for certain at the end of How lucky you are
What would you do in a show if something didn't go as planned? This is live theatre! cover it!
Make sure that the straps we use to drag out the cloverfield, are tucked into the cloverfield once it's in place and not left just lying on the stage
Notice me Horton is GREAT! By far one of my top 3 moments in the show. Great job Nick and Chaney
Mayzie and Horton - Be careful with the egg. It may not be a real egg, but it is still fragile, don't let it roll off the tree.
Horton, You can pull out clovers out of the downstage cloverfield to listen to them, and just set them on the ground in front of you but behind the cloverfield. Don't worry about putting them back in.
Mayzie, I loved your makeup
Horton, great job going up the tree. Priceless. Probably the funniest moment of the entire show right now.
JoJo, you need to actually fall on "When you land with a thud"
Horton - I loved your movement and facial expressions you were doing in the tree at the end of act 1.
Thing 1 and 2 - Durring the auction, you should both be leaning on the red box.
Kathleen - Great job during circus.
Circus people - FILL UP THE STAGE! do not stay in the wings until your tumbling pass.
Circus People - Remember to bring on your circus props
Ally and DJ - Great job with the balloons. So funny. Work on making them faster.
Horton - Reactions during circus and Solla Sollew were PERFECT!
Jungle creatures - You were WAY LATE for Solla Sollew. You come out at the beginning of the song, not the end.
Horton, I liked the crying at the end of Solla Sollew. One of the most touching moments in the entire show.
Jungle greatures, when you leave stage, you have to take the tree and the box
Dana - Great job in the who scene when Mr and Mrs Mayor are told JoJo is dead. Your reactions are perfect.
Thing one and thing 2 - Slow down your chase in the reenactment.
Hunches, be more quiet when you come out into the audience. You were very distracting from what was happening onstage.
Thing 1 and thing 2 - You were late bringing on Horton's tree.
Make sure you bring on the clover for gertrude to give to horton
However, if they did forget in a show, what would you do?
ABSOLUTELY no scripts or cheat sheets are allowed onstage, EVER. It was incredibly obvious every time someone was reading a line. We have had scripts since December. There is absolutely no excuse whatsoever to still be on book.
Sour Kangaroo and Mayzie - Great entrance for people versus Horton the elephant
After "Everyone Rise", I need everyone to make tons of jungle animal noise to give him a reason to say "Order in the court". Same thing after Horton sings "He's a who and so is she" give yertle a reason to say order in the court.
Cat, as you are walking to Sour kangaroo, hold the book so the audience can see what it is.
Cat, make sure your badge is facing forward
Yertle, the were times that you were the only one on stage frozen. make sure you check with those around you on when you are supposed to be frozen.
Everyone downstage of the tree, when the baby elephant bird is about to come out crowd close to the tree so that we can see her.
The moment at the end with Horton, Gertrude and the elephant bird is by far my favorite moment of the entire show. Great job.
During bows, HAVE FUN! dance around, be animated, engage the audience. FINISH STRONG.
A couple general notes that apply to everyone. Just some important reminders.
If you can come downstage, and there's not a specific reason why you can't, then come downstage. And by down stage, I mean the Apron. The part that is wood and not black.
Everyone, learn your lines and lyrics. This is tech week. You've had scripts since december. There is no reason or excuse to not know you lines by now. If you are unsure of blocking, that's my fault. But if you don't know your lines, you have no one to blame but yourself. As an actor, memorizing your lines is the only thing that you have 100% control over. And there is never a show or a theatre where having a script on stage during tech week is acceptable.
Be animated! You are characters ripped from a kids story book. There is a reason that every time they make a movie about seuss they use actors who are known for being Super Animated. (Jim Carrey as the Grinch, and Mike Myers as the Cat in the Hat). These charaters have to have a cartoonish feel about them. They have to be larger than life.
Make sure you are running lines, blocking, and choreography every spare chance you get.
I am very proud of all you you and love you all dearly. And anything that I say or do is just in an attempt to try and make you look good. I'm a relatively new and young director. I don't claim to be perfect. I'm learning as I go, the same as all of you. But I think that we all have things that we can learn from each other. That's what I love about theatre. The moment that we think we have nothing more to learn, we are limiting our growth potential as both actors and as people, and we only hurt ourselves. So, I ask that you come to every show and rehearsal with a willingness to work hard and learn from each other. To my younger kids and newer actors, you have much that you can learn from the experience of those around you. They have alot to teach you about acting, singing, dancing, technique, and maturity. Take this opportunity to learn everything from them that you can. To my older and more experienced actors, you have much tht you can learn from the younger kids. While they may have less experience, they light up the stage. They love what they are doing and it's obvious. When you do a lot of shows, it's easy to lose sight of why we do it in the first place. Theatre can become just a job or a routine. It's important to look at the younger actors, and see their excitement to remember what theatre is all about. It's not about making tons of money. It's not about always having the spotlight or being the center of atention. It's not even about looking pretty and sounding pretty. It's about making other people happy. At least, that's what it should be about. Expecially for a show like seussical. And if your intentions for doing theatre are anything other than that, then watch the excitement and energy of the younger generation and learn from them. See how much they just love making people smile. They may not always hit the right note, or do the right choreography, but they love being on stage, and so the audience loves watching them. My favorite person to watch on stage is Jordan Jones. I think he is our youngest cast member. But he just has so much fun on stage. He works so hard. He is doing an amazing job. He always has energy. He is always in character. He is a reminder to me of why I do this. He lights up the stage with his smile. So, I encourage all of you to connect with your inner child so that we can help the audience do the same.
You are all doing an AMAZING job! Keep it up. I will see you all tonight.
Joshua
CAST NOTES
Wow! Last night blew me away! What a HUGE improvement, cast!! Thank you so much for stepping up and becoming everything we knew you could be. The following cast notes are by song. If your song isn't mentioned, that means it was perfect.....don't change a thing!
General Notes
Men, You're needed!!! Sing out as much as possible, but never beyond your best tone.
Everyone, still more beginning and ending consonants are needed. There can never be too much!
Everyone, all mics will be live throughout most of the show, because even if you aren't on stage you're supposed to be singing. Please SING and don't talk. We need your voices! And, if you need to excuse yourself for a moment......well, just don't do it....hold it for 5 hours! Just kidding!! Just make it quick and then return with a live mic to support the cast who is on stage.
All Wickershams MUST have mics! There are solos throughout that aren't being heard. Wickershams, check each other to make sure you've remembered to TURN IT ON.
Young Kangaroo MUST have her mic on! She couldn't be heard all night!
Everyone, I LOVE YOU! You make me SO proud!!!!! Break a leg!! I'll see you late tonight!
Oh, the Thinks - PARTS -- YEA!!!!! It's a beautiful thing! The "...and think...and think...and think" was right on the money. Do it again and again. Just remember to stay with the track hits there, and you'll be fine.
Biggest Blame Fool and Playoff - Sour Kangaroo and Baby, you knock my socks off! Wickershams, excellent job! Don't rush the "Ha, Ha, Ha" when you first come in. Playoff was nice and crisp.
Here on Who - Nice job, people. Change: When you get to the section that breaks down into families, everyone needs to sing every line. We need the added volume since there are no mics for anyone except the Mayor and family. Truffula needs to be pronounced "Truf-fuh-la", not "Truf-few-la". Only are few are pronouncing it wrong, but it really sticks out. Another change: Only M/M Mayor will sing beginning at "the future's in your hands..." and continuing through "You're the only one who hears." All Whos sing again from that point to the end. On the final note, it's fairly short, so please remember to cut off with the bass "plunk" in the track. Again, nice job!
It's Possible - Brilliant, JoJo! Wish we could hear more parts to bring out the great harmonies, but nice when I could hear them.
How to Raise a Child - M/M Mayor, wonderful job, great harmony!
Military - M/M Mayor, SO close on the ending! Rushed just a tiny bit. Listen to track...it's playing the same rhythms. You rock!
Military (Schmitz) - Cadets too early on "that's what makes a boy..." General sings "...boy", there's one more beat, then you guys sing. Looking good, sounding good, though!
Alone in the Universe - Wonderful, guys! Horton, remember ..... no "pop" on phrases, especially when you sing with others.
Gertrude/Mayzie - I love you! Fantastic, ladies! Way to sell it!
Monkey Around - Wickershams, you rock! Solid!
Chasing the Whos - SO much better!!! Still need parts heard, but very close! Men, let 'em hear you, especially on "Cha - sing the Whos"!
Finale, Act 1 - Bird Girls, tremendous! Still need to "tweak" the storm and keep it tuned, but I Love You! Everyone, on that last phrase, hold out "you are!" 4 beats, cut off quickly, then jump right back in. Some are holding and some aren't, so it needs to be nice and clean. Great parts!
Egg, Nest, and Tree - Great opening!! Exciting! Men, I GOTTA HEAR YOU on "egg, nest, and tree."
Circus McGurkus - Cat, unfortunately, your lines have to fly off the tongue even faster than usual on "And now, all you folks..." That part is just plain weird! Everyone, NOTES on "Ah...Come see the show!" Notes, parts, AND words on "Come see the monstrosities..."
Circus on Tour/Palm Beach/Circus - Mayzie, luscious!! Mayzie and Horton, very nice!
Solla Sollew - Parts are gorgeous when I hear them! Clean up diction just a little more throughout the song.
Battle of Butter - JoJo, just a little slower delivery of lines: "And not only that sir, it's Christmas on Who..." That should buy the necessary time to lead into the music change for Schmitz' lines.
Whos Christmas Pageant/Roast Beast - Solid and confident at first! Review pitches for 2nd phrase of "Fa-la-la..." Grinch, you are phenomenal! Just a little too slow on line delivery leading into Roast Beast. Slightly faster line delivery there should set you up perfectly for singing lines on Roast Beast.
A Message from the Front - Schmitz, be sure to come in immediately after 7 "Schmitz" chants. M/M Mayor, "Our perfect little one," should be sung very tenderly. We're going for broken hearts here!
Havin' a Hunch - Great scary voices! Just need a little more of them. Hunches, LOVED your echoes! Havin' a Hunch Part 4 needs LOTS AND LOTS more lower voices! Ending still needs to move a little quicker to your final note. Cat, please lead. You're all awesome!
All for You - Gertrude/Cat, you're superb! Bird Girls, very nice, solid start! Between now and opening, you MUST tighten up the harmonies beginning with the "All for yoo..oo..ou!" to end. Suggestion: find a corner and work each chord slowly to lock in those pitches, then speed it back up once you've got it. They're tough.....but you're tougher......and you're all SO incredible! Last thing, really flip the "l" for separation and clarity on each "la..la-la-la-la....." toward the end.
The People vs. Horton the Elephant - Outstanding start! Great, strong sound! Wickershams, review your "sittin' on an egg....ha..ha..ha" at beginning of Part 3. Horton, almost there on timing of "I meant what I said...." Work toward a more natural feel leading into "You can throw me...." VERY believable when pleading for the Whos......nice job! Yertle, fab-u-lous! Everyone, Part 4 starts with the men/women taking turns: "Boil...it!" Men, I GOTTA HEAR YOU since the women are now remembering to let you sing alone there. Bring it!! Everyone, PLEASE...PLEASE...SEPARATE "Boil....it!" so it doesn't sound like "Boy...lit"!!! JoJo, LOVE the "YOPP!!!"
Yopp!/Alone (Reprise) - JoJo, a little faster delivery of "An Elephant Bird!" line so Horton and Gertrude can get all of their lines in. Horton/Gertrude, very tender moment....nice...milk it! Be sure ALL lines are spoken after JoJo's "An Elephant Bird!". Those lines are too important to be deleted. Cat, pause and enjoy the tenderness just a hair longer to set up the tricky timing for you and JoJo on "The sky became.....pink!"
Finale, Act 2 - Nice parts!!! Careful, though. When everyone comes in on "If you open your mind...", you're rushing just a bit. It does speed up, but not until the end of that phrase and leading into "...oh, the thinks you can find..." Stay with the track. Elephant Bird, you stole my heart! I Love You!!!
Bows - Review in your mind when you each bow, where you go afterward, and, of course, your WORDS! Excellent job tonight!
Now, here are my notes:
Remember, that I care about all of you, and anything that I say is in order to make you better. There some things that I would like to say as your friend, but other things that I have to say as your director.
I still need people to bring the action more downstage.
Quiet offstage.
No cell phones back stage. I could see little glowing screens from the audience.
Be more animated. Remember, this is Dr. Seuss.
JoJo - Slow down your line "or a sort of a kind of a hat wearing cat" in order to give the cat time to get over to you.
Make sure the Red box is unlocked so that thing 1 and 2 aren't trapped.
JoJo - For "Oh the thinks you can think" you need to make sure you are stage right of the cat.
Cat- your hat was casting a shadow over your face, we need to try and put the hat farther back, or just flip the brim up more.
Jungle creatures - when you first come on for jungle of nool, make lots of animal noises until the "Who wha da's". It was too quiet.
If you have a problem in your personal life, you can't let it affect your character. If you are sad, or sick, or upset off stage, you can't let that change how you act on stage. I know that it's hard, but it's part of being an actor. The audience deserves your best every time.
Wickershams - make lots of monkey noise after "Ha, Ha, Ha, it's the wickersham brothers", and continue the noise until it's time to start singing.
Alejandro - Great facial Expressions
Chaney and Nick - Great Chemistry
When you walk on the platforms, try to have soft steps. Don't stomp, because it makes all the platforms shake, including the foam pieces attached to it.
Whos - I need you to all have big smiles. You are supposed to be happy. Most of you are doing this. I need the following who's to smile more: Estus, Shayne, Kyle, Sam, Hannah, Peyton, and Laura Grace.
During the marching Band, things, get with the cat and work on your choreography because it looks like you have no idea what you are doing. We need to clean it up and make it look more intentional.
If you are not on stage during "here on who", make sure you are singing offstage because all of your mics will be on. You are supposed to be singing "here on who" off stage, and I know many of you were not because when they turned your mics on, we heard conversations instead.
During "Here on who", Mr. and Mrs. Mayor need to step down onto the apron.
Learn your lines EXACTLY the way they are written. Make sure you don't paraphrase. It's Seuss. All the words rhyme, so, when you change the words, it's really obvious. The people that this was most noticible with are JoJo, Mr. Mayor, and Horton. So please, review your lines. There are many places that I think you think that you are saying the right words, and you are not. So, just look over all your lines and make sure you are saying exactly what is written, and not kinda what is written.
JoJo and Cat - during "It's Possible" bring it onto the apron more downstage
JoJo - At the end of it's possible, after your parents come in, come downstage, don't go behind the tub
If someone messes up, fix it in character. What would you do in a show if the lights, or set, or sound doesn't work the way its supposed to? What would you do if someone misses a line or an entrance? If you react to everything that happens like it was on purpose, the audience will think that it was. They don't know any different.
Bring the action in every scene downstage if possible.
Mr and Mrs Mayor - I know I originally had you looking just at the brochure instead of at JoJo, but it's not playing the way I thought that it would. So, instead, put the brochure down, and bring JoJo between both of you and focus all your attention on him, like you are getting your kid ready for their first day of school.
Thing 2, you were missing your sword in Military academy.
JoJo - In alone in the universe, sit until it is time to sing.
Everyone - Learn your Lyrics, especially my leads. We have had scripts for many of you since December. There is no reason that you should not be off book. Instead of talking offstage, be running your lines.
JoJo, start to slowly walk offstage SL at the end of alone in the universe rather than just standing center stage waiting for the cat.
Gertrude - Less Eye makeup than what you had on durring amazing gertrude
Raegan - Get with connor tonight, he's taken german, and is going to help you with some of Dr. Dakes pronunciation.
Pillsberry bush needs to be brought on downstage center.
Mayzie - You were AMAZING!
Cat, Thing1, and thing 2, - Durring chasing the who's, stay centerstage with the helicopter until after the cat has finished her lines.
Everyone - Right before How lucky you are, instead of being frozen, I want to try having you move in slow motion instead.
Cat - Get clover from vlad the moment you start singing. In fact, you could even get it right before you start singing.
When you are frozen during How lucky you are, make it a big freeze. I want big facial expressions. I know it's hard, but it looks so good.
Mayzie's tree should be brought on during chasing the who's immediately after the helicopter exits SL.
The two staircase clover fields should be brough on right after the tree.
Wait to bring on the downstage cloverfield until the cat says for certain at the end of How lucky you are
What would you do in a show if something didn't go as planned? This is live theatre! cover it!
Make sure that the straps we use to drag out the cloverfield, are tucked into the cloverfield once it's in place and not left just lying on the stage
Notice me Horton is GREAT! By far one of my top 3 moments in the show. Great job Nick and Chaney
Mayzie and Horton - Be careful with the egg. It may not be a real egg, but it is still fragile, don't let it roll off the tree.
Horton, You can pull out clovers out of the downstage cloverfield to listen to them, and just set them on the ground in front of you but behind the cloverfield. Don't worry about putting them back in.
Mayzie, I loved your makeup
Horton, great job going up the tree. Priceless. Probably the funniest moment of the entire show right now.
JoJo, you need to actually fall on "When you land with a thud"
Horton - I loved your movement and facial expressions you were doing in the tree at the end of act 1.
Thing 1 and 2 - Durring the auction, you should both be leaning on the red box.
Kathleen - Great job during circus.
Circus people - FILL UP THE STAGE! do not stay in the wings until your tumbling pass.
Circus People - Remember to bring on your circus props
Ally and DJ - Great job with the balloons. So funny. Work on making them faster.
Horton - Reactions during circus and Solla Sollew were PERFECT!
Jungle creatures - You were WAY LATE for Solla Sollew. You come out at the beginning of the song, not the end.
Horton, I liked the crying at the end of Solla Sollew. One of the most touching moments in the entire show.
Jungle greatures, when you leave stage, you have to take the tree and the box
Dana - Great job in the who scene when Mr and Mrs Mayor are told JoJo is dead. Your reactions are perfect.
Thing one and thing 2 - Slow down your chase in the reenactment.
Hunches, be more quiet when you come out into the audience. You were very distracting from what was happening onstage.
Thing 1 and thing 2 - You were late bringing on Horton's tree.
Make sure you bring on the clover for gertrude to give to horton
However, if they did forget in a show, what would you do?
ABSOLUTELY no scripts or cheat sheets are allowed onstage, EVER. It was incredibly obvious every time someone was reading a line. We have had scripts since December. There is absolutely no excuse whatsoever to still be on book.
Sour Kangaroo and Mayzie - Great entrance for people versus Horton the elephant
After "Everyone Rise", I need everyone to make tons of jungle animal noise to give him a reason to say "Order in the court". Same thing after Horton sings "He's a who and so is she" give yertle a reason to say order in the court.
Cat, as you are walking to Sour kangaroo, hold the book so the audience can see what it is.
Cat, make sure your badge is facing forward
Yertle, the were times that you were the only one on stage frozen. make sure you check with those around you on when you are supposed to be frozen.
Everyone downstage of the tree, when the baby elephant bird is about to come out crowd close to the tree so that we can see her.
The moment at the end with Horton, Gertrude and the elephant bird is by far my favorite moment of the entire show. Great job.
During bows, HAVE FUN! dance around, be animated, engage the audience. FINISH STRONG.
A couple general notes that apply to everyone. Just some important reminders.
If you can come downstage, and there's not a specific reason why you can't, then come downstage. And by down stage, I mean the Apron. The part that is wood and not black.
Everyone, learn your lines and lyrics. This is tech week. You've had scripts since december. There is no reason or excuse to not know you lines by now. If you are unsure of blocking, that's my fault. But if you don't know your lines, you have no one to blame but yourself. As an actor, memorizing your lines is the only thing that you have 100% control over. And there is never a show or a theatre where having a script on stage during tech week is acceptable.
Be animated! You are characters ripped from a kids story book. There is a reason that every time they make a movie about seuss they use actors who are known for being Super Animated. (Jim Carrey as the Grinch, and Mike Myers as the Cat in the Hat). These charaters have to have a cartoonish feel about them. They have to be larger than life.
Make sure you are running lines, blocking, and choreography every spare chance you get.
I am very proud of all you you and love you all dearly. And anything that I say or do is just in an attempt to try and make you look good. I'm a relatively new and young director. I don't claim to be perfect. I'm learning as I go, the same as all of you. But I think that we all have things that we can learn from each other. That's what I love about theatre. The moment that we think we have nothing more to learn, we are limiting our growth potential as both actors and as people, and we only hurt ourselves. So, I ask that you come to every show and rehearsal with a willingness to work hard and learn from each other. To my younger kids and newer actors, you have much that you can learn from the experience of those around you. They have alot to teach you about acting, singing, dancing, technique, and maturity. Take this opportunity to learn everything from them that you can. To my older and more experienced actors, you have much tht you can learn from the younger kids. While they may have less experience, they light up the stage. They love what they are doing and it's obvious. When you do a lot of shows, it's easy to lose sight of why we do it in the first place. Theatre can become just a job or a routine. It's important to look at the younger actors, and see their excitement to remember what theatre is all about. It's not about making tons of money. It's not about always having the spotlight or being the center of atention. It's not even about looking pretty and sounding pretty. It's about making other people happy. At least, that's what it should be about. Expecially for a show like seussical. And if your intentions for doing theatre are anything other than that, then watch the excitement and energy of the younger generation and learn from them. See how much they just love making people smile. They may not always hit the right note, or do the right choreography, but they love being on stage, and so the audience loves watching them. My favorite person to watch on stage is Jordan Jones. I think he is our youngest cast member. But he just has so much fun on stage. He works so hard. He is doing an amazing job. He always has energy. He is always in character. He is a reminder to me of why I do this. He lights up the stage with his smile. So, I encourage all of you to connect with your inner child so that we can help the audience do the same.
You are all doing an AMAZING job! Keep it up. I will see you all tonight.
Joshua
Updates from Amy
Good morning, everyone!
The show is amazing and beautiful and funny and poignant--you are going to bless our audiences every single performance. I am so excited for tomorrow night, and so proud of all of you!
I do have notes from last night, but they are just minor things to fix. Please look carefully below for anything that pertains to you.
One big thank you--several of you have been SO great about remembering to sing at the offstage mike--for almost the entire time you aren't onstage. I heard about Elisha, Dana, Leslie, and Shamus for sure, and I'm sure there are others--thank you all so much for that helpful contribution!
Here is tonight's schedule:
6:00--Cast arrival time (begin getting mikes on, costumes, makeup, etc.)
6:45--Cast meeting--be in auditorium seats promptly, please.
7:00--Meeting ends--release to finish getting ready
7:15--Be onstage, ready for warmups
7:30--Run through starts
NOTES:
The show is amazing and beautiful and funny and poignant--you are going to bless our audiences every single performance. I am so excited for tomorrow night, and so proud of all of you!
I do have notes from last night, but they are just minor things to fix. Please look carefully below for anything that pertains to you.
One big thank you--several of you have been SO great about remembering to sing at the offstage mike--for almost the entire time you aren't onstage. I heard about Elisha, Dana, Leslie, and Shamus for sure, and I'm sure there are others--thank you all so much for that helpful contribution!
Here is tonight's schedule:
6:00--Cast arrival time (begin getting mikes on, costumes, makeup, etc.)
6:45--Cast meeting--be in auditorium seats promptly, please.
7:00--Meeting ends--release to finish getting ready
7:15--Be onstage, ready for warmups
7:30--Run through starts
NOTES:
- Everyone--You may NOT go into the dressing room that is not your gender--no exceptions (except for me or Mrs. Carla going in for checks after everyone is out)
- Everyone--Do NOT take off your own microphones. An adult may do it for you, but you may not do it for yourself.
- Everyone--please don't clap during bows
- Everyone--you may bring books to Berry for the book drive if you would like--we are ready to receive them
- Everyone--please bring your own water and snacks for backstage. Also, NO arguing over laptop allowed or I will send the Grinch after you! (Wait, he's nice now....I know--I'll send MAX!)
- Things--we can't see your lights for "A Glimmer of Light"--could we look at you coming Downstage on either side to turn them on? Josh--what do you think?
- Cat--the cat-eye glasses can be used for Mr. Mayor's line about Mrs. Mackel-Who--hold them up and grin mischievously
- Mr. Mayor--check your line on pg. 32--a little confused "Now Horton has found us..."
- JoJo--In "Alone in the Universe"--don't move off the upstage platform until you start singing, then move downstage. Spot will pick you up while you are on the platform and move with you
- Thing 1--do you have a mike in Dr. Dake scene? If not, please really project your lines so we can hear them
- Erik--do you have a mike in "Monkey Around"? Hard to hear your bass parts
- Jungle Creatures--We need to have you move Mayzie's tree on when you enter during "Chasing the Whos"--Move it in on the line "Ten Thousand Feet High" and put on brake This is VERY important!!
- JoJo--I'm not sure of the logistics of the scene, but if it is helpful, you can put props you are holding on the pink couch before it goes out--mittens and pencil, maybe? Talk to me if we need to clarify
- Cat and Circus--we need a lot bigger "moment" when Horton is revealed at the circus--get those words out there--they are VERY hard to understand--start a bit earlier if necessary
- Cat--Even though we have taken out other cities, we still need "Palm Beach" line after Horton's solo so that Mayzie coming on makes sense--perhaps you yell it as you come on with chaise?
- Horton--When you see Mayzie at the circus, show more surprise--you know she's in Palm Beach, but still surprised to see her at the circus. (Hope you feel better!)
- Circus--you were late coming in for "Solla Sollew" Your entrance is when you start singing on "Solla Sollew Solla Sollew" after Horton has sung it once. I will try to tell Bekah when it is so she can tell you
- Circus--you forgot to move the tree off at the end of Solla Sollew--we have traveling music for that reason--please don't forget because we can't close mid until the tree is off
- Things--your reenactment of the explosion has to take a lot longer to make sense with the track--slow it down!
- Things--When you take downstage clovers off during intermission, take Horton's clover out and put it back on prop table--sorry about that! Thing 1--can you get it from SL and enter from SL to give it to Gertrude?
- Yertle--at very end, before bows, please move the red box back and put the cauldron (which will be "boiling" with dry ice) inside it so it won't be a distraction during bows
- Horton--be sure egg has been changed while mid is closed before you get back into tree--I will have TJ or Bekah help with that, but please double check
I know it's a lot, but you guys are pros! You're doing such a great job--see you tonight!
Amy
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Link to Seussical Photos
Here's a link to photos that I took during last night's rehearsal. https://picasaweb.google.com/106763093111598925216/SeussicalTechWeek22112?authkey=Gv1sRgCKDEycqLx_T4HQ
We will be taking more photos the next two nights.
We are so proud of you.
Bob
We will be taking more photos the next two nights.
We are so proud of you.
Bob
A couple quick notes from your director
Here are a couple notes from last night. Please read both this, and the previous post from Amy.
As a general rule, move everything downstage at least 5 feet. You are all so far upstage, and most of the scenes, you don't have to be. Don't be afraid to step onto the apron. The apron is your friend.
Be quiet offstage. Hopefully, all of your mics will get turned off when they are supposed to. But, in case they don't get turned off right away, please do not walk off-stage and immediately start talking.
Be animated! In every scene, you should have animated facial expressions. This is Seuss. You are doing great at this. This is just a reminder.
Remember, every scene you are on stage, focus your attention to where the "action" is. You are helping the audience to know where they should be focusing their attention.
Don't be in the wings, uness you are about to come on-stage.
In the Circus scene, make sure you fill up the stage. Don't just stay on the sides.
Gertrude - At the end of people versus horton the elephant, stay downstage for your line "They've proved they are persons no matter how small." We miss this line almost everytime we run this scene.
You are all doing a great job and I am so proud of each and every one of you. keep up the good work.
As a general rule, move everything downstage at least 5 feet. You are all so far upstage, and most of the scenes, you don't have to be. Don't be afraid to step onto the apron. The apron is your friend.
Be quiet offstage. Hopefully, all of your mics will get turned off when they are supposed to. But, in case they don't get turned off right away, please do not walk off-stage and immediately start talking.
Be animated! In every scene, you should have animated facial expressions. This is Seuss. You are doing great at this. This is just a reminder.
Remember, every scene you are on stage, focus your attention to where the "action" is. You are helping the audience to know where they should be focusing their attention.
Don't be in the wings, uness you are about to come on-stage.
In the Circus scene, make sure you fill up the stage. Don't just stay on the sides.
Gertrude - At the end of people versus horton the elephant, stay downstage for your line "They've proved they are persons no matter how small." We miss this line almost everytime we run this scene.
You are all doing a great job and I am so proud of each and every one of you. keep up the good work.
Updates from Amy
Good morning, everyone!
Well, last night was a bit rough, I'm afraid, but I was amazed by the unity you all showed in the last scene--it made it all beautiful after a frustrating rehearsal. I appreciate you all SO much!
TONS of notes from me and Debbie at the end of this post. Sorry it's so long, but please read carefully. It is the best way for me to communicate things at this point.
Here is tonight's schedule. Please watch the times, as I need things to run as planned, and be where I've asked you to be at the right time so we don't have to go chase you down! (I WILL send the Wickershams if I have to! :)
6:00--cast members start arriving--please do not come onstage before this time, but you can start getting mikes on
6:20--cast meeting
6:30--release to get set up, put on mikes, etc (NO costumes tonight unless necessary for getting used to some pieces)
6:45--warmup
7:00--begin run through, trying to get through all of the show if possible
NOTES from me:
Well, last night was a bit rough, I'm afraid, but I was amazed by the unity you all showed in the last scene--it made it all beautiful after a frustrating rehearsal. I appreciate you all SO much!
TONS of notes from me and Debbie at the end of this post. Sorry it's so long, but please read carefully. It is the best way for me to communicate things at this point.
Here is tonight's schedule. Please watch the times, as I need things to run as planned, and be where I've asked you to be at the right time so we don't have to go chase you down! (I WILL send the Wickershams if I have to! :)
6:00--cast members start arriving--please do not come onstage before this time, but you can start getting mikes on
6:20--cast meeting
6:30--release to get set up, put on mikes, etc (NO costumes tonight unless necessary for getting used to some pieces)
6:45--warmup
7:00--begin run through, trying to get through all of the show if possible
- Here are notes from Debbie from the last two nights:
- Parts, parts, parts!--listen to each other, do your harmonies, blend
- Enunciation--spit out the words
- Projection--sing with confidence (especially Bird Girls--you have beautiful voices, beautiful harmonies--sing confidently so we can hear them!)
- Solla Sollew--all need more confidence
- Butter Battle--work on timing
- People Vs. Horton--needs tons of energy!
- M/M Mayor--really spit out words in People Vs Horton--we need to understand those words
- Chasing the Whos--should and could be very exciting song, but wasn't--needs lots of energy, excitement
- Review words for bows--we will do these tonight
- Oh the Thinks (finale)--listen to the music to get your timing for the beginning--need to be with music--Dana and Kathleen please try to lead this--Dana, can we get you near a mike for this part? or get you on a mike? We need to check on this.
NOTES from me:
- No running backstage, please!
- Do not touch the green buttons on backstage wall--these turn out lights.
- T1/T2, Wickershams--please find a minute before rehearsal to practice boat movement together and get in sync
- You cannot cross sight lines in wings--we can see you peeking out! Remember that Seuss land begins a few feet offstage!
- Circus--when Cat announces Horton and Kathleen takes down leaves--freeze for a moment and turn all attention to him--make it a big announcement
- Offstage mike is moving to Stage Right--far upstage corner
- Please do not touch curtain
- Caroline --you have only mike in circus scene--can you move to the center and can other animals lean on you so they can be picked up too?
- JoJo--move upstage sooner in the bedroll/getting blown up scene--you should be right by the general when you deliver your line
- Cat--your entrance after Christmas scene was late--you are supposed to cross the Whos as they leave, interacting with them, then change to melodramatic after they are gone (That was the funniest thing all night, by the way--everyone was busting a gut in the audience!)
- T1/T2--we need you to bring the cauldron on during People Vs. Horton--when the judge says "As for the Dust Speck"--go get it and place it in front of him
- Young Kangaroo--In People Vs Horton you need to face front for freezes--we keep getting your side or your back during freezes
- Gertrude--can we move you upstage any more when you are struggling with Wyatt during People vs Horton? That is priceless comedy and we are missing it a bit.
- When the egg cracks--everyone split and give attention to Elephant Bird so she can be seen
Love you all!
Amy
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Updates from Amy
Thank you all for your patience and cooperation last night as we worked things out. Tonight will be more of the same, but with Act II. This is the schedule I would like to follow this evening:
6:00--Cast arrival time (get your stuff set up--wait to put on your costumes)
6:15--Cast meeting onstage--10 minutes (notes from last night, notes for tonight, questions)
6:25--Costumes and makeup, microphones, etc.
7:10--Everyone onstage, in full costume and makeup and miked, ready to go. Vocal and Dance Warmups
7:30--(Josh is coming from class at HFAC so we will do this one when Josh gets there) Begin Act II
10:00-- around 10 is when we will finish and dismiss everyone
I will be watching the clock, so please stick to these times and help your fellow cast members stick to these times. Thanks everyone--the show is looking great!
Amy
6:00--Cast arrival time (get your stuff set up--wait to put on your costumes)
6:15--Cast meeting onstage--10 minutes (notes from last night, notes for tonight, questions)
6:25--Costumes and makeup, microphones, etc.
7:10--Everyone onstage, in full costume and makeup and miked, ready to go. Vocal and Dance Warmups
7:30--(Josh is coming from class at HFAC so we will do this one when Josh gets there) Begin Act II
10:00-- around 10 is when we will finish and dismiss everyone
I will be watching the clock, so please stick to these times and help your fellow cast members stick to these times. Thanks everyone--the show is looking great!
Amy
Monday, February 20, 2012
Costume Notes from Lindsay
COSTUME NOTES/ANNOUNCEMENTS
Hello,
I
know this is long but please read everything. If you have never done a show at
HFAC, or with me, I’m going to go over a few things.
-
First off you MUST respect the costumes.
-
I will not tolerate costumes on the floor. I have worked at theatres where I
picked up trash, homework, junk, in the dressing room. At HFAC, we do NOT do
that. I am not your maid, and neither is any other tech person! I do not work
for you personally, I work for HFAC.
-
Keep your stuff in your basket/bag.
-
Respect your cast members when you’re getting ready.
-
Please tell me if there is a costume problem, but remember I have a priority
list. I will get it done as soon as I can. If something needs to be adjusted
let me know. If you do not like your costume, I don’t need to know : )
-
We do not have laundry facilities at HFAC or Berry. I will leave an odor
neutralizer in each dressing room. Spray on costume after a performance if
needed. If you REALLY want to wash something, ask me. Some things have been
dyed or painted and will need special directions.
SCHEDULE
– Tuesday and Thursday full costumes. Monday/Wednesday – You can wear costume
PIECES if needed. Bird girl tails, gertrudes pull out tail, hats, Vlad – cape,
jackets, etc. Only things that need extra rehearsing in. NO FULL COSTUMES
MONDAY/WEDNESDAY PLEASE. I know Amy Cook mentioned Monday in a previous blog
post but I am still working on costumes and some still have wet paint etc. Most
of the time I need to take things home to sew an alteration, but that means I
have to wait until rehearsal ends, until you decide to get out of your costume,
drive all the way home, and start working on costumes. That makes a very late
night and we all need some sleep this week! I need time to edit things between
dress rehearsals. You are welcome to do makeup all week if you would like to
practice, as long as you are ready on time.
TUESDAY
AND THURSDAY – Please, Please, Please do NOT be in dress without your hair and
makeup done. If a costume is not finished, that’s on me, and only me! But I
cannot run around making sure everyone fixes their hair and makeup. That is
your responsibility. Bob Clark will probably take pictures one of these
nights, and guess what? These go in my professional design portfolio! So PLEASE
make an effort!!!
JUNGLE
CREATURES – You are wearing the bright vests you wore on Thursday, along with
ears on a headband. I would like for everyone to wear black pants, leggings
under with a black leotard, or t-shirt. If you have these things in bright
solid colors, I might be fine with that also. PLEASE let me know if you do not
have any of these things and I will dig in our storage.
Makeup/Hair-
Bright eye shadow. Depending on your animal, maybe whiskers or a nose. It’s
seuss, so there’s flexibility.
HUNCHES
– You are wearing long sleeve black shirts, sheer black hoods, glow in the dark
bow ties to hold the hood, and glow in the dark gloves. I need everyone to
bring black pants/leggings/etc. if they have them. If you are a fish, you
should already be bringing black pants. PLEASE let me know if you don’t have
them. Anything you can dance in is fine.
WHO’S
– I am pretty positive Mrs. Roberts went over shoes with everyone, but I will
repeat for those who might not know. Flats, character shoes, heels, etc. Colors
to match or go with your costume, OR something neutral.
Makeup–
Basic stage face or 50’s era makeup. Some eyeliner, base, blush if needed, lip
color. Natural. Ladies could wear red lipstick, winged eyeliner, etc.
Female
hair – ponytails, pigtails, curled, beehive, 50’s era hair, etc. PLEASE do not
wear loose, must be pinned back in some way.
Male
Hair – Combed out of your face. I need to see your face.
BIRD
GIRLS – Black character shoes. You must wear a bra that cannot be seen with
your leotard. I am adjusting leotards for coverage purposes. Talk to me
at rehearsal if you need clarification with this…
Hair/Makeup
– Alex Cochrane did her hair and makeup on Thursday, and it looked fantastic.
Since you know your color now, I would like heavy eye makeup in your
color. Alex had a clip on extension that she got at Sam Moon for $20 or less.
You are welcome to do this option. Anna Conover told me her hair was too thick
for that, so she is going to curl it and pull it back into a ponytail. Whatever
you choose, curled and pulled back.
CAT-
White face, nose and whiskers. French braid your hair.
THING
ONE/TWO – Braid your hair, or do whatever your need to do to pin your wig in.
White face.
KANGAROOS
– Purple eye makeup. Please pin back the hair around your face. You will have a
headband with ears.
Vlad
Vladikoff – I would like you to wear a mask. Let me know if this will not work.
Thanks,
Lindsay
Burns
linrburns@gmail.com
Cell:
281-686-3410
Hello,
I
know this is long but please read everything. If you have never done a show at
HFAC, or with me, I’m going to go over a few things.
-
First off you MUST respect the costumes.
-
I will not tolerate costumes on the floor. I have worked at theatres where I
picked up trash, homework, junk, in the dressing room. At HFAC, we do NOT do
that. I am not your maid, and neither is any other tech person! I do not work
for you personally, I work for HFAC.
-
Keep your stuff in your basket/bag.
-
Respect your cast members when you’re getting ready.
-
Please tell me if there is a costume problem, but remember I have a priority
list. I will get it done as soon as I can. If something needs to be adjusted
let me know. If you do not like your costume, I don’t need to know : )
-
We do not have laundry facilities at HFAC or Berry. I will leave an odor
neutralizer in each dressing room. Spray on costume after a performance if
needed. If you REALLY want to wash something, ask me. Some things have been
dyed or painted and will need special directions.
SCHEDULE
– Tuesday and Thursday full costumes. Monday/Wednesday – You can wear costume
PIECES if needed. Bird girl tails, gertrudes pull out tail, hats, Vlad – cape,
jackets, etc. Only things that need extra rehearsing in. NO FULL COSTUMES
MONDAY/WEDNESDAY PLEASE. I know Amy Cook mentioned Monday in a previous blog
post but I am still working on costumes and some still have wet paint etc. Most
of the time I need to take things home to sew an alteration, but that means I
have to wait until rehearsal ends, until you decide to get out of your costume,
drive all the way home, and start working on costumes. That makes a very late
night and we all need some sleep this week! I need time to edit things between
dress rehearsals. You are welcome to do makeup all week if you would like to
practice, as long as you are ready on time.
TUESDAY
AND THURSDAY – Please, Please, Please do NOT be in dress without your hair and
makeup done. If a costume is not finished, that’s on me, and only me! But I
cannot run around making sure everyone fixes their hair and makeup. That is
your responsibility. Bob Clark will probably take pictures one of these
nights, and guess what? These go in my professional design portfolio! So PLEASE
make an effort!!!
JUNGLE
CREATURES – You are wearing the bright vests you wore on Thursday, along with
ears on a headband. I would like for everyone to wear black pants, leggings
under with a black leotard, or t-shirt. If you have these things in bright
solid colors, I might be fine with that also. PLEASE let me know if you do not
have any of these things and I will dig in our storage.
Makeup/Hair-
Bright eye shadow. Depending on your animal, maybe whiskers or a nose. It’s
seuss, so there’s flexibility.
HUNCHES
– You are wearing long sleeve black shirts, sheer black hoods, glow in the dark
bow ties to hold the hood, and glow in the dark gloves. I need everyone to
bring black pants/leggings/etc. if they have them. If you are a fish, you
should already be bringing black pants. PLEASE let me know if you don’t have
them. Anything you can dance in is fine.
WHO’S
– I am pretty positive Mrs. Roberts went over shoes with everyone, but I will
repeat for those who might not know. Flats, character shoes, heels, etc. Colors
to match or go with your costume, OR something neutral.
Makeup–
Basic stage face or 50’s era makeup. Some eyeliner, base, blush if needed, lip
color. Natural. Ladies could wear red lipstick, winged eyeliner, etc.
Female
hair – ponytails, pigtails, curled, beehive, 50’s era hair, etc. PLEASE do not
wear loose, must be pinned back in some way.
Male
Hair – Combed out of your face. I need to see your face.
BIRD
GIRLS – Black character shoes. You must wear a bra that cannot be seen with
your leotard. I am adjusting leotards for coverage purposes. Talk to me
at rehearsal if you need clarification with this…
Hair/Makeup
– Alex Cochrane did her hair and makeup on Thursday, and it looked fantastic.
Since you know your color now, I would like heavy eye makeup in your
color. Alex had a clip on extension that she got at Sam Moon for $20 or less.
You are welcome to do this option. Anna Conover told me her hair was too thick
for that, so she is going to curl it and pull it back into a ponytail. Whatever
you choose, curled and pulled back.
CAT-
White face, nose and whiskers. French braid your hair.
THING
ONE/TWO – Braid your hair, or do whatever your need to do to pin your wig in.
White face.
KANGAROOS
– Purple eye makeup. Please pin back the hair around your face. You will have a
headband with ears.
Vlad
Vladikoff – I would like you to wear a mask. Let me know if this will not work.
Thanks,
Lindsay
Burns
linrburns@gmail.com
Cell:
281-686-3410
Spotlight Help
We need someone (a parent or teen over about 16) who can help run a spotlight for the shows. Teri will help teach, so no experience necessary. Just need to be able to move the spot smoothly to follow the actors, mostly during songs. It's not heavy and does not require a lot of strength. It would require you to be there all of tech week and for every performance (in a prime spot for viewing the show), and would entitle you to some complimentary tickets for friends or family. For some reason, dance experience seems to help spotlighters anticipate actors' movements, and I also find that teen boys that spend time in an arcade seem to do well, too! :-)
THANK YOU to EVERYONE who helped with set! We had a flurry of activity on Saturday and Sunday! We're still finishing the egg, and have a few minor things to add to pieces, like carpet sliders, some longer cable to hang jungle of Knool, etc. Thanks to everyone who came to help load in, too! The backdrop is supposed to arrive today, and we'll have to find some time to hang that as well.
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