Dress Rehearsal and Opening Night!

Well, as always, dress rehearsal and opening night go by in the blink of an eye. I'm always amazed at how things really do always come together in the end and yesterday was no exception. (it does help to have an amazing production team who you trust immensely!)

We started our day at 10:30am when we met at the theatre to go through notes from the technical run with Lesandra and Lisa. To give you a sense of how the chain reaction has continued until the very last moment, both of them were still making considerable adjustments right before the dress rehearsal. This can be stressful on the performers as you really want to feel that the piece is somewhat settled in your brain and body before the show opens, but at the same time you really want to fulfill the vision of the choreographer and need to trust that the changes are for the good of the piece. I didn't have a ton of mind-altering changes, but Mel and Carolle had lots to think about and I think they both did amazing to assimilate and experiment on the fly.

Overall, the dress rehearsal went well, with only a few minor hitches. Personally, I always like a few things to go wrong because it rattles you a little bit and then you're all the more focused for the real show.

After the dress rehearsal, we said goodbye to Lesandra who was driving back to Fredericton. Unfortunately, she couldn't stay for the show, but it was so great to have her theatre for the tech and to get some final notes on the piece. It always makes the piece fresher when the choreographer reminds you of some of the original nuances that may have been lost in the rehearsal process. I also rushed off to pick up the programs before the printer closed. Can't have a show without a program!

At 5:30pm, we all met back at the theatre to prepare for the show. After make-up, warm-up, review of the changes from the morning, and a pre-show set up, we were ready to share the show with an audience!

Things went smoothly and the show was well received by a very receptive audience. Following the show, we held a reception that was superbly decorated and co-ordinated by my mom and Alicia's mom, Irene with a crew of volunteers. We're so lucky to have such incredible moms and a network of supporters who are so generous with their time and effort.

My day started early when I drove Rebecca to the airport this morning at 7:30am and it was sad to see her go. I wish she was staying for the whole run of the show. She has been so amazing to work with and her lighting is awesome. I know we'll work together again soon. I took some photos during the dress rehearsal from backstage, but they might be a bit dark to see anything.

We're off to do a photo shoot at the theatre with Holly this afternoon and then two more shows. Hard to believe that our season is almost at an end. Bitter sweet...

Sara