Top Tech Rehearsal

Better get comfy, this is a long one!

To say last night was our fist time on set, I think it went really well. I was still feeling a bit shaky when I arrived and it took me till half-way through the first act to really get going, but then the adrenaline kicked in and I felt fine. Everyone was very concerned for me (thanks folks) and it sounds like whatever me and the kids had is doing the rounds. I just hope it doesn't strike anyone else down this week.

We started off by adapting some of the big numbers to the new set - "Hosanna", "Simon Zealotes" and "The Temple" all needed a little re-work due to the change in the working space. The set is in a kind of pyramid shape, and we have steps up to a platform at the top. This means that, where we had people dancing in a line at the back of the stage, they now have to do it on the stairs - not easy! But Geoff and Julie worked it all out and I think it will be OK.

So, then we began. I wasn't quite sure how I was going to get on. I hadn't sung properly since Wednesday night, having missed yesterday's band call. I was a little shaky at first, but I think I got better as I got on with "Heaven...". It was good having the set to explore in this one, although I did nearly fall off a step as I tried to casually sit down! What a muppet! I've got to get used to sitting down in these robes...

As I finished and "What's The Buzz" started, I dash off up to the top of the set to look down in disdain. Again, the movement for this number had to be changed slightly, to fit round the stage, but it wasn't a problem. With the lights going mad at the top of the "pyramid", this is sure to be a great opening number for the chorus.

After wandering down the steps to confront Jesus in "Strange thing mystifying", I wander back up again and plonk myself down on a step during "Everything's Alright". I come back down onto the flat to confront Mary about her "fine ointments, brand new and expensive", following her and Jesus off at the end of the song. I was pleased I managed to hit my "feet and hair" OK, as that is a bit of a test for how my voice is going to be.

On come the priests, sounding great as usual in "This Jesus Must Die". They start lining the top of the set, then gradually work their way down, before returning to the top for "Hosanna". This is a bit of an odd one, as most of the singers are out in the auditorium waving their palm leaves. It's only when they reach the stage that we'll really get the sound right I think. Pete had a real sprint to try to get to the back of the stage in time for his line, but still couldn't get through as the door was locked! Oops...

I'm still hanging around during all this (not literally, that comes later...!). And I'm left on stage on my own during the lighting change for "Simon Zealotes". As this one starts, out come all the chorus, cheering and dancing across the front of the stage and up into positions for another big number. James looked great in this one - really funky! - and did a death-defying charge up round and down the steps.

After this is was all off as David comes on for "Pilate's Dream". I didn't get to see this, but it sounded good. We're then all back on again for "The Temple". This works well now we have real tables, although with the angle they are at, it is a struggle to not leave a gap inbetween the two groups of "buyers". As Jesus comes in and yells "My temple should be a house of prayer!" he tips up the tables, breaking one in the process (oops!). This looked and sounded great. Pete was on form and just seeing it all from my viewpoint at the top made me appreciate what a good scene it is.

Then on come the lepers. This looks amazing. The starting 8 all look fantastic in their "special" costumes, and the rest coming stumbling on in their rags look so effective. And when they start appearing from the top of the stage as well, it's really quite spooky. I'm looking quite concerned at this point, having crossed over to the other side of the balcony, taking in the scene developing below me. Then, at the climactic "Heal yourselves!", on comes Mary to lay Jesus down, head on the bottom step, while she sings "I Don't Know How To Love Him". This sounded really good and I sat on the top step, looking fed up as I listened (you've noticed I do a lot of that!).

At the end of this, I make my way down to the bottom of the steps. I thought It would look good if I crouched down near to Mary and Jesus until they woke up and saw me there, and I think it worked OK. Mary leads Jesus off and I finally give in and go see the Priests. "Damned for all Time" went well I think. I had to keep an ear out in the middle section as I heard someone playing the saxophone solo, which we've never really had before. I think I just managed to get in in time! Geoff reworked the ending a bit, and it seems to be a hit. I take the money from the wire as it descends, then go off to the top of the stage and hold it up, silhouetted by the blood-red lights behind me. Everyone said it looked great.

So, end of Act 1 and we had a short break, during which I got my hanging harness on.

"The Last Supper" was better for having the table, cups and plates for the Apostles to work with. The argument went well and it was nice to had the width of the stage for me to run off.

"Gethsemane" was just totally awesome. I watched from the wings and, at this point, I know the audience are just going to be totally blown away. I certainly was and, by the huge applause he got at the end, I think everyone else was too.

So, on I come to spoil the party again with my Judas kiss and "The Arrest". I tried to make a bit more of this, now we have the band waiting on us, by collapsing onto Pete's shoulder and clinging onto his arm as he turns away. I then watch on from the side of the stage as he is taken away. After being taken before the Priests, he's sent off to see Pilate, at which point I leave the stage.

I only caught a glimpse of "Pilate and Christ", but it looked really good. David is resplendant in his robes, and Pete looks suitable haggard in his simple white gown.

So, then comes "Herod's Song". Steve looked fantastic - he's got a different costume and a great wig and his voice was sounding much better. I know the audience is going to love this. There was no chaise-longue for him - don't know if that's been scrapped - but he did a fine job of improvising with the set, and the dancing girls were great as usual.

"Could we start again please?" was sung beautifully by Caroline and Tom. It's a great way to settle the audience down again after Steve's shenanigans, before I come and cause another rumpus. The cross effect with the two lines of men and women worked Ok too, although not quite the same as it was in rehearsals, it still looked very effective.

So then, the bit I had been looking forward to all night. On I charge..."My god, I saw him!". I just lost myself in this, but I couldn't wait to get to the top of the stage. It seems strange to think that the pinacle of my stage "career" is hanging myself, but I know this is the biggest thing I will ever do on stage, and this is my defining moment. And god, was it good?! I knew it looked real when I heard the gasps and shouts from the audience. If I can get that reaction from a full auditorium, then I will be happy. Keith had to sort out the music at the end of it as I had been a bit quick to jump. At this point I got a really big clap from everyone, which just made it even better.

I then had a sprint up to the dressing room to change for "Superstar" - yes that lovely purple cat suit came out again (settle down ladies!! ;o) ). I picked up my stick mic and ran round to the top door of the set just in time for my entrance. On I come, doing my thing at the top of the stage, then coming down to the flat, skipping and dancing about a bit, getting funky round the stage with my Sould Girls, then ending up in the centre for the big finish. I think this wsa great and the Soul Girls just get better every time.

And so that was me finished. I went up to the back of the auditorium to watch "The Crucifixion". I can't really find any words to describe how this looks. Pete is amazing...truly amazing. He is Jesus and he is dead on the cross. It looks that real.


So, overall I think it was a good Tech rehearsal. We got through it without any major hiccups. Geoff only had a few issues, noting too major, and Keith asked if more people can sing in the wings. I had noticed this was lacking as well, and we really need it in some numbers.

I had got through the night without feeling ill, now just feeling very hungry! Dress rehearsal tonight...let's hope it's even better than last night.