Helloooo again from the La Mirada trenches.
Here’s my second report of Spelling Bee rehearsals. I actually got a critique on my first blog that it was funny, mostly, but it was a little exuberant about how good everybody was and maybe I could be a little more sarcastic and acerbic for the second one.
Me ??? Sarcastic and acerbic? Bite me!
Well after a few days in tech, that won’t be a problem. I am half the man I was on the first day of rehearsals. I’ve become defensive during note sessions. No Jeff, I didn’t misspell loues. (That’s director Jeff Maynard giving him the word louse.) And yes I should be able to say shit in my opening speech! OK, so the Book won a Tony Award but I won a Robby!
Techs have been hell. It’s in my contract that the other cast members are not allowed to speak to me but they keep forgetting and it’s really making me uncomfortable.
Daniel Tatar de-pantses me in one song, revealing some very silly boxer shorts. We call it the Pantsing of Panch and at last night’s dress, in front of Tom McCoy, he got carried away, as he often does, and pulled my pants and boxers down, leaving me only in my thong. OK, my Calvin Klein briefs. I felt so… vulnerable.
It was really hot. Unless you happened to actually see it.
We had some interesting volunteers from our little audience join us as Spellers. One of the ladies refused to spell — that was fun — and another seemed a little loosey-goosey and I asked her if she’d been hitting the bottle and she had. Oops.
Another note from Jeff: Mustn’t be too mean to the audience.
Another lady’s name was Lucy Crabb. Laura Griffith, who plays Rona, and I did have fun with her.
I am so sick of everybody in Spelling Bee I could scream.
OK not really. I still think everyone is the Bee‘s knees. I really do. We’re all pooped. Tonight’s our invited dress rehearsal. I have to go. I don’t have time for this Blog. I got a show to do Baby.
Remember?
OH BABYYYYY, I GOT A SHOOOOW TO DOOOOOO. (Lorelle in Dreamgirls, Act 2)
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, presented by La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts and McCoy Rigby Entertainment, plays Tues.-Thurs., 7:30 pm; Fri., 8 pm; Sat., 2 & 8 pm; Sun., 2 & 7 pm; through Feb. 21. Tickets: $35-$50. La Mirada Theatre, 14900 La Mirada Blvd., La Mirada; 562.944.9801, 714.994.6310 or lamiradatheatre.com
