After only nine (full!) days of rehearsals, we opened officially on July 7 to a decently-sized house at the Millbrook Playhouse. However, the previous night saw a packed group of senior citizens raising the roof to the music from their youth in our final preview!
I told the cast that this would be a very enthusiastic audience and people doubted me, thinking of previous previews for the older crowd, a mainstay of this playhouse's outreach/community program. "They will just probably sit there looking bored" was the collective response of many other actors. Guess again!!!
This "grey army" soon began singing along early in the show and by the end, those who looked like they couldn't even stand up were dancing in the aisles, LOL! "Do you want to hear one more song?" and a thunderous roar left no doubt that another reprise was in order.
I didn't know how nine days could bring such a result and seeing the process is very impressive and informative. I didn't know if I could learn all I needed to learn, especially considering that this was the shortest rehearsal period I've ever tried. People really go all out every show here and the tech crew are the ones who have the biggest job. Try to imagine an entire set being built in one day (and late into the night) so we could get going the morning of the next day. The show is also filled with light and sound cues, far beyond all shows I've ever been a part of before.
Well, we've got two standing ovations in a row, now. I'm curious if the string will continue and my personal feeling, considering the quality of product, it WILL!
By the way, I play Buddy's first manager, Hipockets Duncan. From backstage, I play bass in the Apollo Theater scene and I also play, on the stage this time, for the "Winter Dance Party." I get to jump around, etc., while playing, a huge difference from how I usually play at church, LOL!
Unfortunately, my character has NO opportunity to sing in the show...which is quite painful for me, a "in-the-flesh" rock and roll singer, but the ending scene with us dancing around in the audience is fab fun!
This show is a great way to cap off my U.S. experience before I head back to The Netherlands. I'm really thankful I got this opportunity, especially considering it is in honor of my namesake. The Music Lives!!!
