It’s that time already! How is it that, even though it’s only two or three days shorter than the others, February always manages to feel like about half a month? I’m still experimenting a bit with the format of this blog, and I can guarantee that each month’s update will be unique to reflect my activities & reflections of that span of time. February has turned out to be pretty theatre-centric, but there will be plenty of variety to come!
Quote of the Month
“Everything has to start with a wish. Nothing happens without wishing.”
- Godmother, Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella
Current & Upcoming
Valiantly dodging snow days and flu season, Cinderella rehearsals are in full swing! We’ve got one more month until we open, and I’ve been reminded just how many moving parts there are in putting together a large-cast musical — I haven't done too many of these since I was in high school! When not teaching waltz or scouting costume rentals for a fairy tale ball, I can be found compiling applications for a varied assortment of directing-focused internships & fellowships for the upcoming season. Hopefully more updates on that process to follow in the coming months!
Following the Journey
In summer 2017 I had the amazing opportunity to observe two weeks of rehearsals for a workshop of a new musical called Superhero at the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center. Fast forward to 2019, and it was a blast to catch up with the show as it continues its development in an Off-Broadway run at Second Stage this spring! I was pleased to see that many of the discoveries made at the O’Neill have become important parts of the show’s foundation, and it has only continued to grow since then. If you’re interested in an innovative staging of a small-cast musical following a trio of lost souls as they face love, loss, and finding unlikely heroes in one another, be sure to check it out during its limited run through the end of March.
Another Openin’, Another Show
This one feels like everything coming full circle to me, because back at the O’Neill the Superhero workshop cast was led by the incomparable Kelli O’Hara. She is not a part of the current Off-Broadway run — as she is currently starring in the new Roundabout revival of Kiss Me, Kate! that I had the pleasure of seeing in previews last weekend. Now I expected this production to be fun, but it far exceeded my expectations. If you are a fan of golden age musicals done right, all I have to say is get your tickets while you can! The singing is incredibly strong across the entire cast, clever direction and grounded, genuine performances allow the characters to be hilarious while relatable and endearing to a contemporary audience, and the choreography is some of the best I’ve seen on Broadway in quite some time. Truly a delight!
Throwback – Summer 2017
Enjoying the development of Superhero, then and now!
And oh look, there’s a blog post all about my O'Neill experience too, back in my Kenyon blogging days!