Act I Finished!

As we wrap up this work week, I realized that I have not blogged at all this week. Ouch! Which means I have much to talk about. Let me preface this by saying that we blocked the entire first act in just three rehearsals. It was a lot of fun. I got to leave early Monday evening because I only had one scene I was in. I reveled in this because it will be the last time any of us get to leave rehearsal before 9:30 for the rest of the show. I took some time to read and relax thinking that Tuesday's rehearsal was going to be hard work. It was work, but not hard. It was so much fun. Khenmu, Trishia, Miller and I stayed until about ten working on the big smoochie smoochie scene. It was so interesting getting to work just the three of us (Miller, Khenmu and myself with Trishia watching) on this scene. I guess its because the last part I played was such an ensemble role. The intimacy really allowed me to watch Scott at work and to see how his thought process spun in his head.
Working with Khenmu on this was so much fun. It was nice to have this be the third show we have been involved in together because I feel that we already have a unique bond. I think are characters seem comfortable and relaxed around each other, not forced. The scene so far is very fun to play and I think it will keep developing into more fun and creativity throughout rehearsals.
Yesterday we ran the Act I finale. I was expecting a very exhausting night based solely on the understanding that the music for this show is quite exhausting and the Act I finale is one of the most complicated pieces. Instead, we had a fantastic rehearsal that I thought was so much fun! I did roll my ankle though and my shin muscles are a little sore because of it today. Nevertheless, I cannot wait to run the entire act on Monday and to see the speechless audience on opening night after Act I finishes. I don't want to give too much away but I will say that it involves murder, mayhem, betrayal and love. OOOOOOO!
Sunday we choreograph "Run, Freedom, Run" with me tied up in a chair. Hee hee! I think Scott gave me this role because he knows how much I like to be tied up. Hmmmmm.... Oh! And I get to see the Greasers on Saturday! Yeah!

Toodles,
~H C

Wow!

So yesterday we had our first read through/sing through of the show. I was amazed! I literally kept getting goose bumps throughout the night. It was funny it was smooth and it was awesome sounding. I can't imagine what the final product is going to look like if this is how good the first read through went! This cast is just so amazing and it is so much fun to work with them thus far! I cannot wait to get started on blocking next week! Now, I must go, because I have to work out!

Later,
~HC

Taxes are Done and So Are My Love Handles!

Well yesterday we finished going through all the music in the show. I could hardly speak let alone sing with the horrid cough I had. It was pretty miserable. Today, I feel much much better and I am ready to get in there and sing my heart out! (I hope my lungs can keep up with me) We were over staffed at work so I got to go home and finish my taxes! Yeah!!! (OK fine Greg helped a little. I cannot take all the credit) I am just so happy to finally be over tax season! I don't know whether or not I will be participating next year....
I started a fairly rigid diet and exercise plan today. I just want to get myself back into shape and healthy. The warm weather is coming and I know that in order to put this production on well, in the heat, I have to begin to take better care of myself. So, if you wanna help don't forget to ask me how my diet is going. (Every time someone asks, I will do fifty sit-ups or squats or choice) AH HA! A reward for reading my blog. Now lets see whose up to challenge me! My bikini will thank you.
Tonight we end music rehearsals and next week we begin putting it all together. I can't wait to start transforming myself into Hope!

Toodles,
H C

No voice No taxes

Well here I am on Saturday afternoon without a voice. Yep that's right, I lost my voice yesterday due to this nasty cold I have. I'm resting it today and hoping to get it back tomorrow before my voice lesson. (Yeah like that's gonna happen) So at least I will attempt to learn the rhythm of all the songs I am in. Oh and by the way have I mentioned that I have not even STARTED my taxes yet? I think its my own little rebellion. Hell maybe I won't do them! (Yeah right then I get sent to jail where you gotta pay to pee or is that UrineTown?...) I keep reading everybody else's blogs and it sounds like they're doing really well with the music looks like I have a lot of work to do. Guess you know where to find me this weekend: on the toilet with my script. What! I'm trying to get into the show!

I'm Back!!!

Well here I am once again, and now I am beginning to have a personality complex. Who am I? Frenchy? Hope? Iz? Bitch? I don't know anymore! Just a few weeks ago we were rapping up Grease and now we have just ended our first week of UrineTown rehearsals. I remember at auditions wondering if I was gonna have what it takes to play (and sing) the part of Hope. I decided that no guts equals no glory and ended up getting the role. Since then, I have been transfixed on this world of human secretions. I must say, I don't think I have ever had to pee during other rehearsals as much as I do this time around. Hmmmmmm... maybe its just a subconscious Fuck you all! I can pee free!
The first week of rehearsals was rather tough. This music is incredible and very very hard to sing. Luckily, I got to work early with my voice teacher James Harr (who is always saving my ass). Thanks James! Much love. So I had somewhat of an idea about how hard the score really is. However, James and I work one on one. Try teaching this stuff to 16 people at once! Needless to say, rehearsals have been tough but our group seems to be handling it really well and I must say, we sound rather phenomenal!
The crew is really awesome. This is my second NewLine show so it doesn't have the same feel as the first. During the first, I knew NOBODY and ended up getting to know some awesome people. This time around, I know mostly EVERYBODY and I am looking forward to getting to know the few I don't. I must say though, if I had walked into rehearsals not knowing anyone, I would have been very intimidated because I am currently surrounded by some incredibly talented people. All I have to do now is buck up and try to gain status on their level. Wish me luck!

Love and Peace,
Hope

P.S. I miss you Greasers!