Heading to the Theater...

We're getting ready to move into the theater next week and are starting to add elements like this lovely skirt:

Is this what they mean by being a Hipster?

Now THOES are some hips! It defiantly makes moving around a challenge...mainly doorways... and furniture...and people... It's a little embarrassing to be bumping into so many people/things around the rehearsal hall, but I guess that's why we practice. Running around in that thing is a work out! But it's really fun to play such an over-the-top character. Having permission to be this silly has taught me a lot about singing. Often, my teacher will have me sing with duck lips, or angry bunny face to practice finding the right path/placement. In this case, I just make those faces throughout the entire show et voilà, ugly stepsister.

THE Angry Bunny

Playing an over the top character has also really helped me understand that "acting with the voice thing." Again, I think for me it has to do with having permission to go there. That, and the cast is full of fabulous artists who are masters of their craft and have sung these roles millions of times. Its easy to learn when you're 2 feet away from greatness. True story; the first time I saw this piece as a grade school student in Philadelphia, it was with one of my current cast mates. So when I say that my cast-mates are experts, its no exaggeration! Never in my wildest dreams would I think I'd be anythings but a fan of several of my now colleagues. Its pretty cool! 

Shameless plug: If you are in the Tennessee area, come check out CINDERELLA April 26th and 28th! It's a fabulous cast and promises to be a very enjoyable evening at the Historic Tennessee Theatre. And while you're in town, don't miss the Rossini Festival, I'll be singing some Gershwin, Cole Porter, and Kurt Weil at the Opera Stage on the 27th. It's apparently a big deal here, and there could be over 2,000 people in attendance. Hope I'm entertaining enough. Still debating weather or not to bring my ukulele or not...mmmmm.....