The theatre biz is a kooky one at times. Tonight is the official opening of Southern Crossroads: The New Orleans Adventure at Wayside Theatre. But there have already been two audiences who have seen the show at yesterday's two preview performances. While the show might be a bit different after we make a few changes in today's show, tonight's opening night is the debut of record once all is said and done.
The good news is that after yesterday's previews we know this new show works wonderfully for audiences. Both shows received rousing standing ovations so we must be doing something right. Folks took to the Greene Family Singers right away, loved the amazing music, and enjoyed the twists and turns of the plot and the characters that the Greene Family meets in this adventure. As both a writer and a director I'm really pleased with what we've all created. The cast did extraordinary work yesterday through both previews. They continued to hone in their characters and find the playing zone for the music. The peals of laughter and audible reactions came both from the comedy of the script and also from recognition. Some of that recognition came from audience members who went on the first Greene Family adventure two years ago as they met the characters they loved again. Remember this is a prequel to that first piece. Some of it came from the audience recognizing the excellent musicianship and performances that these actors are putting on display. The surprises along the way in the script also produced great reactions, but then that's why the surprises are there to begin with.
Tonight's opening night performance should be a good one. We've tuned the show up really well, in my view, and will tune it a little more today. The expectations are high with this one from those attending and those doing the work, so that means all of our stomaches are in a bit of a knot today. But when we hit the boards at 6:30, I think the magic of what this team of amazing artists will take over if yesterday's previews are any indication.
I'm looking very much forward to this.
The good news is that after yesterday's previews we know this new show works wonderfully for audiences. Both shows received rousing standing ovations so we must be doing something right. Folks took to the Greene Family Singers right away, loved the amazing music, and enjoyed the twists and turns of the plot and the characters that the Greene Family meets in this adventure. As both a writer and a director I'm really pleased with what we've all created. The cast did extraordinary work yesterday through both previews. They continued to hone in their characters and find the playing zone for the music. The peals of laughter and audible reactions came both from the comedy of the script and also from recognition. Some of that recognition came from audience members who went on the first Greene Family adventure two years ago as they met the characters they loved again. Remember this is a prequel to that first piece. Some of it came from the audience recognizing the excellent musicianship and performances that these actors are putting on display. The surprises along the way in the script also produced great reactions, but then that's why the surprises are there to begin with.
Tonight's opening night performance should be a good one. We've tuned the show up really well, in my view, and will tune it a little more today. The expectations are high with this one from those attending and those doing the work, so that means all of our stomaches are in a bit of a knot today. But when we hit the boards at 6:30, I think the magic of what this team of amazing artists will take over if yesterday's previews are any indication.
I'm looking very much forward to this.
