From the Inside Out

Into the woods we go again. We have to every now and then!

We’re three weeks away from opening night at McKinney Repertory Theatre (MRT). The cast is deep in the woods of rehearsals, practicing blocking, singing, lines, and choreography. Whew, it makes me tired just thinking about it. We rehearse four nights a week, and there’s still so much to do!

This is my first foray into the world of musical theater, and I have to admit, it’s been a very interesting adventure. I didn’t realize how complicated musicals were. There’s everything that goes into your standard drama production, but then you have to also add music, singing, and dancing. Trust me, it’s a lot.

Although my roles in this production are quite small, I’m still having a good experience, and it’s fun to watch the creative process that goes into a musical. I’m playing three characters: Red Riding Hood’s granny, Cinderella’s mother, and the giant (yes, she’s a woman). My characters don’t have a lot of stage time, but it is fun playing three very different roles — and I get to sing a bit, including some very, very high notes.

We have some outstanding actors and singers in this production. Some of them completely “wow” me. Rehearsals are chaotic at this stage, but I know the production will be top notch when it’s time to perform. The MRT is investing a significant amount in production, costumes and advertising for this show. It’ll be fantastic. For Tickets call 214 544 4630 or visit www.mckinneyperformingarts?center.org. And for a glimpse behind the scenes, check out the images below (I apologize now for the low, camera phone quality, but it’s better than nothing, right?).

First read through of the Into the Woods script

Rehearsing the opening of Act I

Trying to remember lines, singing, and choreography…not an easy task!

Rehearsing on stage in the theater at the McKinney Performing Arts Center

Our music director (and former Miss Texas) looks on as we rehearse a scene

Mark your calendars because it’s back! The tale of the “Last Chance Inn” continues at McKinney Repertory Theatre in May. Familiar characters from Hartburn Hotel will return in this “popcorn tossing” melodrama that guarantees laughs and entertainment for all ages. The latest saga, Blame it on the Pony Express, opens on May 13 for a two week run.

I will be reprising my role as Ivory Keyes, and I have to say that I’m really excited about stepping back into her shoes. She’s a fun character, plus I get to put my piano skills to use when playing Ivory. Joining me will be a host of other actors playing the roles of many of the beloved characters from the previous play. We have an outstanding cast who will bring those characters to life. Our first rehearsal, a read through of the entire play, was held tonight and laughter was abundant. It’s going to be a great show. I can’t wait!

Here’s your first glimpse of the diorama depicting our stage, the interior of the Last Chance Inn.

Did you notice my tiny, tiny piano? It’s SO cute!

A close up view of Ivory’s piano

My view from across the table looking at a couple of the cast members and our director

We have three “Leaving Iowa” performances behind us and three more to go! We didn’t have huge crowds this weekend (probably due to the holiday), but the audiences who showed up were great — a big thanks to our friends and family who made it out!

There’s still time to get tickets if you want to see the show. The remaining performances are on Sept. 8-10 at the Courtyard Theatre in Plano.

For more info, click here and for a few behind the scenes photos, check out the pictures below.

Getting the stage set during one of the final rehearsals

Actor’s view from Stage Right

The ladies’ dressing room

Where we get “purdy”

Guys dressing room

Ready for the show and having some fun!

Another view of the Courtyard Theatre from the stage

Wow, I can’t believe that “Leaving Iowa” opens this week! Since returning from Maui, we’ve been rehearsing like crazy! We had a four hour rehearsal on Saturday, eight hour rehearsal on Sunday, and four hour rehearsal tonight. It’s tiring, but at the same time, I’m glad we’re doing it. I missed an entire week of rehearsal while I was in Maui, so I really need it.

Tonight was our first night to be in the Courtyard Theatre in Plano (where we’ll be performing starting on Thursday). It’s an awesome venue, and I’m really excited to be performing there. We have a spacious back stage area, good dressing rooms, and a separate green room. It’s great to have so much space for the cast and crew.

The tech crew joined us for this evening’s rehearsal, so we got to practice with the lighting, sound, and multimedia. It’s great to see it all finally come together. We still have lots of work to do before Thursday’s performance, but I know it will be great!

If you enjoy theatre, please come out to support us. I really like the play. It’s a great story that is both funny and touching. And, I think almost everyone can relate to the family road trip scenes. If you’ve ever traveled with your family in a car, this will bring back memories…and make you laugh. And if that’s not enough, you get to see me act as a “mom” which is a stretch for me…haha!

For more information and to get tickets, visit: http://bit.ly/cGs2qL

For a few blurry iPhone pictures from our rehearsals, see below.

Practicing the Civil War re-enactment scene — just one destination on the family road trip

Shaw and Pam at the diner

Our director and Gary working very hard…or not.

!

String games!!

First night in the Courtyard Theatre

The actor’s viewpoint

Tonight’s blog will be a short one. It’s late, and I need to get some sleep. Hartburn Hotel is quickly coming to an end. We performed our last 8 pm show tonight and have only one remaining performance, a 2 pm matinee tomorrow.

The crowd tonight was awesome. We had about 150 in the house, and they were quite rambunctious. The playwright also attended tonight’s show, and we went to dinner with him afterwards. It was great to learn more about the play and what transpired when it was being written.

Below are a few additional pictures from the show…goodnight all!

The stage is set and we’re almost ready to begin

Ma and Pa get the bad news

Sahara’s back in town

Ivory complains about Sahara

Mrs Spoffingford-Sykes asks Ivory to summon the owner

Prettyfoot, the Sheriff and Ivory

The Sheriff meets Sahara

The last scene — Rod has an announcement