I know this has some biblical reference somewhere, but I can;t remember what it is....never did listen in Sunday School!
Anyway, today there is only 40 days left (as I can see from the new countdown timer on the right). It all suddenly seems so very near and I'm starting to feel a little bit out of it right now. I had a call from Keith to say that I'm not needed at rehearsal tonight, which is a shame on two counts - nothing to do for another week, AND I don't get the chance to be in the crowd for Channel 4. Ho hum.... It's nice that Keith let me know as I would be even more fed up if I'd gone and done nothing all night again.
I think I'm just suffering a bit from the excitement of really getting into the part, feelin glike I'm starting to nail it and then I'm out of it for weeks at a time. I guess it doesn't help that I have decisions to make about my career and I'm putting them off until after the show. Not doing much is making me feel a bit in limbo. I'm sure I'll get over it.
Thursday, September 30, 2004
Friday, September 24, 2004
I sang a line!
Well, I progressed from doing nothing to singing one line last night....I feel like I am maybe not quite needed just yet ;-) Me and Kev sat it out again this week, but we decided to fill our time taking some pictures of the rehearsal. Kev got some good shots on his camera - I took some snaps with my phone,...don't know what they'll look like but I may post some up here if they're any good.
Geoff and Julie were finishing off "Simon Zealotes", before moving on to "What's the Buzz?". This is where I got to sing my line - "It's all gone sour..." before everyone charges on asking the never-ending question. It's been well set with some good moves again, especially when the crowd are huddled round Jesus and Mary in the corner - very effective.
Unfortunately there may be a bit of a flaw in the movement at the end as everyone goes off stage at the end, leaving me, Jesus and Mary to do "Strange Thing Mystifying". However, at the end of this Jesus complains "There is not a man among you who knows or cares if I come or go!", at which everyone cries "No you're wrong!"...so they really have to be still on stage. Just an observation...I guess these things will all get sorted out in the end.
Some rehearsals have been cancelled, which is not a bad thing - we don't want to be over-rehearsed. And there's some excitement about next week's rehearsal - it's just a singing call, but aparrently Channel 4 may be there filming for something James and Steve are involved with. Very intriguing!
Geoff and Julie were finishing off "Simon Zealotes", before moving on to "What's the Buzz?". This is where I got to sing my line - "It's all gone sour..." before everyone charges on asking the never-ending question. It's been well set with some good moves again, especially when the crowd are huddled round Jesus and Mary in the corner - very effective.
Unfortunately there may be a bit of a flaw in the movement at the end as everyone goes off stage at the end, leaving me, Jesus and Mary to do "Strange Thing Mystifying". However, at the end of this Jesus complains "There is not a man among you who knows or cares if I come or go!", at which everyone cries "No you're wrong!"...so they really have to be still on stage. Just an observation...I guess these things will all get sorted out in the end.
Some rehearsals have been cancelled, which is not a bad thing - we don't want to be over-rehearsed. And there's some excitement about next week's rehearsal - it's just a singing call, but aparrently Channel 4 may be there filming for something James and Steve are involved with. Very intriguing!
Thursday, September 23, 2004
Removed Message Board
Well, that didn't last long. The message board has been removed coz it started generating pop-up ads - not something I will tolerate on this site. Thanks Chris for your brief conversation - keep in touch.
If I find a better way of doing this without introducing ads, I'll do it. But, for now, please leave comments against individual posts, or email me direct.
If I find a better way of doing this without introducing ads, I'll do it. But, for now, please leave comments against individual posts, or email me direct.
Saturday, September 18, 2004
Message Board
Seeing as you're all a bit shy about leaving comments against my posts, I've installed a Message Board on the right-hand section of this site. Just leave a name and a comment for all to see.
Don't know if this will work out,...if it's pants, I'll ditch it.
Let's see how it goes.
Don't know if this will work out,...if it's pants, I'll ditch it.
Let's see how it goes.
Friday, September 17, 2004
Nothing to do, lots to see
Not my busiest night last night - first night with Geoff and Julie (coreographer) setting "Simon Zealottes" in which I get to hang around at the back of the stage, watching and looking fed up. Well, I got to practice that last night as I did nothing. Bit of a shame as I could have been sat at home, but it was good to see the coreopgraphy coming together. It's going to be a big number with lots of energy - I'll certainly have lots to watch from my position. The hardest thing will be trying not to join in!
Pete did a fine job of walking across the stage a couple of times - what a talent (!)
Oh, and the Telegraph came and took some photos - good job I'd gone fairly smart! Bit sad for those who didn't come wearing their JCS t-shirts as they never got in the picture, just the black-shirted brigade with me and Pete in the middle (Caroline was a bit late so she missed out too). It would be nice if we had a big story to go with the pictures...
Anyway, hopefully I'll either be a bit more involved next week, or not called if I'm not needed.
Pete did a fine job of walking across the stage a couple of times - what a talent (!)
Oh, and the Telegraph came and took some photos - good job I'd gone fairly smart! Bit sad for those who didn't come wearing their JCS t-shirts as they never got in the picture, just the black-shirted brigade with me and Pete in the middle (Caroline was a bit late so she missed out too). It would be nice if we had a big story to go with the pictures...
Anyway, hopefully I'll either be a bit more involved next week, or not called if I'm not needed.
Friday, September 10, 2004
Last "singing" rehearsal
I think we're on to something here. Every week just gets better and I'm running out of ways to describe how great I think it all is.
Pretty much a full cast last night, apart from Gary (Annas) and one or two chorus voices. Highlights for me were:
David W as Pilot. He's a busy guy and so has not been at many rehearsals just recently so it was great to see in in action last night. He has such a presence on stage - ideal for this role - and it really adds to the drama, especially in the second act.
The Last Supper. It's a battle of the blood pressure on this now...I think both Pete and I put everything into this confrontation now we are "acting", and we both feel really stressed after it. Unfortunately for Pete he then has to go on and do "Gethsemane" and keep it together for a while longer (which he did with his usual finesse again last night). I can storm off and go cool down somewhere!
The Arrest. I come in with "There he is, they're all asleep, the fools" just as half the apostles are starting to stand up, only to ralise what I had just said and promptly drop back to the floor. Much hilarity ensued. Then to top it off, Tom (Peter) was still asleep when he was supposed to be waking up asking "What's the buzz?". More hilarity!
Steve as Herod. Again, we haven't seen much od Steve in rehearsals, but I think this is probably not a bad thing. If we had seen him perform every week, I think it might have lost it's impact and that would be a shame. He is absolutely fantastic as Herod...more camp than Butlins! totally spot on. Quite how Pete is going to keep a staight face through it all I don't know. The room just fell about during his song and gave a huge clap at the end - I think he'll bring the house down.
Could We Start Again Please? This is a firm family favourite in our house. As the sad bunch we are, we have to have JCS on in the car wherever we go and, when this one comes on we all join in - girls singing Mary and boys singin Peter. It's a beautiful song and Caroline and Tom do it brilliantly.
Judas' Death. I have to admit, I really love this. It's a great way to go out and I just put more and more into it each time. Great stuff.
The Crucifixion. Although this was just a bit of a practice at getting the notes, I can tell it's going to sound amazing. When the clashy harmonies all start layering on top of each other it sends a chill down your spine. And Pete delivers his lines really well. There are only a few words, but they mean so much.
So, that's it for pure "singing" rehearsals now then. From next thursday it's floor rehearsals with Geoff. Looking at the schedule it's not going to be too bad in terms of time until we get towards the end of October, then it's really busy. It's so going to be worth it though. I really hope we get the crowds in for this. We must go into publicity overdrive now, to really sell the show. We need to be in the paper all the time, finding new angles to promote the show. It's important that people don't see it as a "religious" show per se, so we need to be stressing the fact that it's Andrew Lloyd-Webber. Fun for all the family - heck, my kids are 4, 7 and 9 and they all enjoy it. We need photos and funny stories. Fingers crossed it will all come off and we will have packed houses every night - I think the show deserves it.
Pretty much a full cast last night, apart from Gary (Annas) and one or two chorus voices. Highlights for me were:
David W as Pilot. He's a busy guy and so has not been at many rehearsals just recently so it was great to see in in action last night. He has such a presence on stage - ideal for this role - and it really adds to the drama, especially in the second act.
The Last Supper. It's a battle of the blood pressure on this now...I think both Pete and I put everything into this confrontation now we are "acting", and we both feel really stressed after it. Unfortunately for Pete he then has to go on and do "Gethsemane" and keep it together for a while longer (which he did with his usual finesse again last night). I can storm off and go cool down somewhere!
The Arrest. I come in with "There he is, they're all asleep, the fools" just as half the apostles are starting to stand up, only to ralise what I had just said and promptly drop back to the floor. Much hilarity ensued. Then to top it off, Tom (Peter) was still asleep when he was supposed to be waking up asking "What's the buzz?". More hilarity!
Steve as Herod. Again, we haven't seen much od Steve in rehearsals, but I think this is probably not a bad thing. If we had seen him perform every week, I think it might have lost it's impact and that would be a shame. He is absolutely fantastic as Herod...more camp than Butlins! totally spot on. Quite how Pete is going to keep a staight face through it all I don't know. The room just fell about during his song and gave a huge clap at the end - I think he'll bring the house down.
Could We Start Again Please? This is a firm family favourite in our house. As the sad bunch we are, we have to have JCS on in the car wherever we go and, when this one comes on we all join in - girls singing Mary and boys singin Peter. It's a beautiful song and Caroline and Tom do it brilliantly.
Judas' Death. I have to admit, I really love this. It's a great way to go out and I just put more and more into it each time. Great stuff.
The Crucifixion. Although this was just a bit of a practice at getting the notes, I can tell it's going to sound amazing. When the clashy harmonies all start layering on top of each other it sends a chill down your spine. And Pete delivers his lines really well. There are only a few words, but they mean so much.
So, that's it for pure "singing" rehearsals now then. From next thursday it's floor rehearsals with Geoff. Looking at the schedule it's not going to be too bad in terms of time until we get towards the end of October, then it's really busy. It's so going to be worth it though. I really hope we get the crowds in for this. We must go into publicity overdrive now, to really sell the show. We need to be in the paper all the time, finding new angles to promote the show. It's important that people don't see it as a "religious" show per se, so we need to be stressing the fact that it's Andrew Lloyd-Webber. Fun for all the family - heck, my kids are 4, 7 and 9 and they all enjoy it. We need photos and funny stories. Fingers crossed it will all come off and we will have packed houses every night - I think the show deserves it.
Friday, September 03, 2004
Best. Rehearsal. Ever.
This show is just going to be amazing. Last night has to be one of the best rehearsals ever. We were up on our feet, doing movement and putting some acting into it. It was pretty fantastic.
Of course it never started quite so well. I had had a really hectic afternoon and was running really late. It was gone 7.30 when I set off, then realised I had forgotten my ticket order form, so went back home. By then I was really late and thought there was not much point going. Luckily I soon changed my mind and headed off to Cleethorpes.
When I arrived I had missed "Heaven on their Minds", but this wasn't too much of a problem I don't think. We were then straight into "What's the Buzz" and continued through the show. The energy in these big numbers was incredible. I really felt quite excited just to be there. I can't imagine what it's going to be like when we actually do it on stage!
It didn't take me too long to find my voice this time. I was a bit shaky on "Woman your fine ointment...", but, other than that, I think it went pretty well for me. I even nailed Damned For All Time. This was the first time I really felt happy with the way I had sung it, so that has definitely given me some much-needed confidence in that song. It certainly helped kneeling on the floor pathetically while Kevin stared me out as Caiaphas...gave me the right sort of attitude.
"The Last Supper" was great...the tension was really raised by having an actual physical confrontation with Pete. And Pete pulled off what was, in my mind, his best ever performance of "Gethsemane". The whole room just erupted into huge applause, whistles and cheers. He was so spot on with every note and, again, putting some actions into it just made it even more special. This is totally going to blow the audience away and Pete deserves all the high praise he gets.
"Judas' Death" was good for me. I just need to get my timing right towards the end ("My mind is in darkness now..."). It's a bit tricky trying to get in on the right beat, but I'm sure I'll work it out.
And "Superstar" just gets better and better....there's such a good feeling doing that one - just like we had on the carnival float.
Overall, I think we are going to produce one hell of a show here. Geoff is coming on the 16th September. I think he'll be pleased with how we're getting on.
Roll on next Thursday!
Of course it never started quite so well. I had had a really hectic afternoon and was running really late. It was gone 7.30 when I set off, then realised I had forgotten my ticket order form, so went back home. By then I was really late and thought there was not much point going. Luckily I soon changed my mind and headed off to Cleethorpes.
When I arrived I had missed "Heaven on their Minds", but this wasn't too much of a problem I don't think. We were then straight into "What's the Buzz" and continued through the show. The energy in these big numbers was incredible. I really felt quite excited just to be there. I can't imagine what it's going to be like when we actually do it on stage!
It didn't take me too long to find my voice this time. I was a bit shaky on "Woman your fine ointment...", but, other than that, I think it went pretty well for me. I even nailed Damned For All Time. This was the first time I really felt happy with the way I had sung it, so that has definitely given me some much-needed confidence in that song. It certainly helped kneeling on the floor pathetically while Kevin stared me out as Caiaphas...gave me the right sort of attitude.
"The Last Supper" was great...the tension was really raised by having an actual physical confrontation with Pete. And Pete pulled off what was, in my mind, his best ever performance of "Gethsemane". The whole room just erupted into huge applause, whistles and cheers. He was so spot on with every note and, again, putting some actions into it just made it even more special. This is totally going to blow the audience away and Pete deserves all the high praise he gets.
"Judas' Death" was good for me. I just need to get my timing right towards the end ("My mind is in darkness now..."). It's a bit tricky trying to get in on the right beat, but I'm sure I'll work it out.
And "Superstar" just gets better and better....there's such a good feeling doing that one - just like we had on the carnival float.
Overall, I think we are going to produce one hell of a show here. Geoff is coming on the 16th September. I think he'll be pleased with how we're getting on.
Roll on next Thursday!
Thursday, September 02, 2004
Back again
Well, here we are. September already and it's back to school and back to rehearsals.
As promised, I have been practising for the last 2 weeks, so I will hopefully be able to remember what I'm doing tonight. Let's see how things go...
Oh, and don't forget that tickets are now on sale. You can buy them here.
As promised, I have been practising for the last 2 weeks, so I will hopefully be able to remember what I'm doing tonight. Let's see how things go...
Oh, and don't forget that tickets are now on sale. You can buy them here.
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