It’s official

From Eric Hale:

We had our first production rehearsal last night. This marks the official beginning of the production, although, as I pointed out in my last post, we’ve been working on Carmen for quite a while. This rehearsal was a sing-through, which is exactly what it sounds like. Since it was a sing-through, Thomas, our director, ceded control to Wayne, our conductor.

Wayne began the evening with some familiar rituals. First was the introduction of the principals. He also introduced key behind the scenes people, such as Ellen and Joel, the founders of the company; Ruth, our costumer; and Sarah, our stage manager. It’s nice for the backstage folk to get a moment of applause. They more than deserve it. They do so much and get so little credit.

Next came the ritual recitation of the rules. There are only a few:
1. When Wayne or Thomas, is talking, SHUT UP.
2. Pay attention.
3. Respect other people’s time.
4. With regard to the stage manager: Sarah is always right. You will listen to Sarah. You will do what Sarah says.

Then it was time to get to work. Although the chorus has met a few times in the last month, this was the first rehearsal with principals. It was also out first rehearsal with Wayne conducting. After several weeks of chorus rehearsals, it was thrilling to hear the music with all the parts. It was also a little scary to find out some of the tempos are really going to be.

Here are some observations:

* A lot of the music in Carmen is fast. I mean bat-on-crack kind of fast. It’s one thing to sing at that speed when you’ve run the same section several times with Kevin slowly speeding up the tempo. It’s quite another thing to sing it when you’ve been hanging out for half an hour waiting for your next entrance.

* Once of the great mysteries of the universe is how one can be looking straight at the conductor, see a cue, know it’s your cue, and still not come in. It’s an even greater mystery when the entire chorus does it.

* Wow, the principals are good. Really, really good.

* Even demi-gods stumble. Hearing that was all that kept my ego from being totally crushed.

* Wayne and Kevin, the chorus master, do not conduct in exactly the same way. Both of their directions are clear, but the chorus was doing a bit of a gear shift for much of the evening.

Overall, it went better than expected. The stars sounded glorious. I can’t really comment on the chorus, but Wayne seemed please with where we are at this point in the process.

Next rehearsal, we’re going to have to start moving and singing. There’s always another challenge.

We open in 17 days.