by Deanna Jent
The power is out and no subways are running in NYC’s West Village, which means that my play FALLING has been “dark” all week. Everyone associated with the show is fine, and there was no damage to the theatre; like many people across the East coast, we wait for electricity to return and the flood waters to recede.
Meanwhile, here at Mustard Seed, we’re rehearsing my adaptation of IMAGINARY JESUS. It’s a joy to be in rehearsal with this group of amazing actors, designers and staff, but this week we hit the “middle part” I referred to in an earlier blog – that point where it really IS work. With 17 actors playing 48 characters moving between 23 different locations, rehearsal now often resembles football practice more than a theatrical endeavor!
But through it all, we continue to play! The journey from the page (hilariously written by Matt Mikalatos) to the stage is an adventure. So far we’ve discovered a couple of new characters (Don’t worry Matt – you’ll love them!) and learned that the actor who needs to say “Apocrypha” can’t make his mouth actually say “Apocrypha” (he’s getting closer – we had “Apocryphia” last night, which is, perhaps, the fear of saying “Apocrypha”?).
So the actors are learning their words, I’m figuring out how to tell the story clearly through action and staging, the lights are being focused, costumes are being built, and the set will be painted on Monday. Sound design and prop design continues, and the Stage Management team diligently organizes and takes care of us all! Creating theatre is an amazingly collaborative process – which is why I love it!
Oh – and two performances are already sold out, with two others nearly sold. Take a look at your calendars and make your reservations now – it’s a great family show for Thanksgiving weekend!
