Today we go in front of audiences for the first time with our production of Harvey at Wayside Theatre. It's going to be an anxious day. The play is a comedy. A classic comedy, actually, one that turns on character and circumstance. It needs excellent actors to work, and we've got that part covered, but it also needs an audience to discover the little ins and outs of what makes this comedy so memorable and resilient.
At last night's final dress we had a few staff and supporters in, and we got the laughs in the expected places, and to my ear, none in the wrong ones, but that may change will real folks in the seats who paid real money. Nothing makes me squirm more than trying out a comedy in front of audiences. I'll sit in the back of the house and while the show is unfolding watch the backs of audiences heads, and listen to their reactions. We'll make a few adjustments between the matinee and the evening, and then tomorrow after we have two previews under our belt, we'll hold a rehearsal and tighten up things even more.
This comedy is about an invisible rabbit, yes and the detail we have for that aspect of it is done well. But the comedy that comes out of character is what I'm most anxious to see played today because that is what really makes the engine of the play hum and purr, or is that hop?
Well, we will know in a few hours.
