Public Rehearsals
We had a terrific "public rehearsal" on Friday night 6/15, at the Lawn Party that opened SNCA’s SummerFest. We performed the opening song, the first Rivers scene, the song "Come and Sit by the River", the Foot monologue, and then sang "Hold Fast to the Laughter."
We got a lot of positive feedback from the performance, including more than a few tears – in an outdoor performance, thank you very much. This was equally due to the power of the story – of the late, much beloved Gloria Brown by Barbara Brady, who has complete command of the piece. I think I’ve written about the decision to perform this piece, which is a wonderful ending to the show and kind of a surprise, at the Lawn Party. Felt to me like it paid off.
Then we gave a gift to the audience – Jo Carson reading a never-before-performed monologue she wrote for Harlan, Kentucky, a contemporary Jack Tale, about how Jack invented Yard Sales. Resonated with a few folks, it did. Here’s the clip - it’s 8 1/2 minutes of brand new Jo Carson.
Saturday morning we worked more with Nicole Livieratos, "cleaning" movement segments. Nicole delighted one and all at the beginning of rehearsal by proclaiming that we weren’t going to learn anything new today, we were just going to work on what we already know. Every now and then, it’s nice to take a break from learning.
Jennifer Hudgins said something wonderful at the check-ins on Saturday morning – she commented how the previous night’s performance had made her understand this wasn’t just a class we’re taking – it’s for a larger purpose than that.
Now we’re running each act of the show, to get the rhythm of it. As ever, I am amazed at how any where from 25 – 33 people each night adjust to constantly changing conditions. It’s a great thing to be a part of.
Of which to be a part. This is Sautee Nacoochee, after all, home of the grammatically correct folk song.
Until next time…
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