The Big Boo Hoo

"Now it's time to get funk-eh."

It's been a minute since my last blog. Whoops! So. To get caught up...:

We've at least started learning all elements of the show: choreography, blocking and music. So I can see it coming together and we're still a good month + out from opening. There have been several experiences that I have had in theatre that ended up falling into place in the last week of rehearsal. Which is frightening. I'm not saying that we don't have work to do...But it's fun to see, so attainable, the potential of this show from so far out.

Tangent: I shaved my mustache. I was saying leading into the process that I was going to keep it until the last possible minute, then shave for opening. I was rehearsing "A Little Upset" choreography last Sunday (which is SIIIIIAAAACK!) and I was slipping into character. I was moving my knees and it felt right. The hair I had slicked back was falling down, and I could feel a few strands tickling my brow. My hips were just doing what they wanted...which, in the mirror, looked right. It felt right. I brought my hands up to my face to snap 2 & 4.

MUUUUUSSSTAAAACHE!! 

It sucked me right out of that world. It's amazing to me how delicate being in character can be sometimes. It reminded me that I wasn't ACTUALLY this guy. This awesome guy. I was me, pretending to be awesome. Then I realized that with such an aesthetically exploited era/movie/person I have to "look it" to "be it." This may not be the case with other shows/characters. But there are some shows that just demand it. So much of who these kids are, is how they dress/walk/dance/look. They were idolizing. They had to look the part too. So I shaved it. Out of respect for my cast mates, too. Clearly, I had an issue embracing my character while staring into my handlebar; maybe other people would too. Especially with all the making out there is, in this show. You'll thank me "Allison."

The other night while rehearsing blocking for ACT I, I was measured for my costume. This just in: My Legs are Fucking Out of Control. Why didn't any of you tell me that I looked like a freak. Cry Baby had long freakish legs though, didn't he? Yeah. You know what? Yes. He did. Moving on...I got to put on a leather jacket for most of rehearsal. It's like some sort of magic cloak or some shit. I felt different. I'm pretty sure my balls dropped just a little further, my biceps grew in diameter, I got a little angrier, and I remembered that my motorcycle needed an oil change. I can't wait to be in full costume.

I'm stealing that coat.

Naturally, being so encouraged by the talent in this cast, I want things to be ready to go. Like, now. You know what I mean? I know it's going to be phenomenal. It's made me impatient. You know when you move into a new place and all you have is a couple of lawn chairs, an inflatable mattress, a shower curtain and some chips? And you just want to go out and buy all this amazing shit to spruce it up... But then you realize it'll happen in time. This is kind of like that. Except, we have the decor already. We're just taking the time to design. I'll try not to wish it away. I'm having fun. 

What I'm most impressed by (no particular order):
1.) Robin's ability to capture an era and emotion so perfectly in her choreography.
2.) Scott's ability to see something others don't.
3.) Dowdy's comedic timing and advice.
4.) Taylor.
5.) Ari's memorization and blog writing skills.
6.) Marcy's pregnant belly.
7.) How fun everyone is.
8.) The power of a mustache.
9.) Terrie's creepy little smile when she gets all "Lenora Crazy."
10.) "Aaaaaaawwwww YEEaaaaah! WWhoooooo Weeeeee!" (To the tune of Tutti Frutti)

After almost 4 hours of dancing last Sunday (A Little Upset), we get to go back to it tonight to finish it. That song is a BEEEAST! I'll stretch this time. For those of you that don't know: "A Little Upset" is the song that CB sings in jail after hearing on the radio that Allison is going to get married to the guy that framed him (Baldwin). All because Lenora is a crazy bitch and had to go telling Allison that she was pregnant with CB's kid. What a ho. Anyway, the choreography is brilliantly masculine and fun to do. It makes it easy to look upset. That song/choreography could stop the show. It's pretty sweet.

I can't wait to be memorized. I want to start doing things that can only be done without a script crutch. I still laugh, and incredibly hard at every rehearsal. I can't imagine this show without anyone who is in it. That being said...It really does break my heart that Joel won't be joining us as the judge. He was awesome and did the part so well. I wish him well in his surgery/recovery. Hopefully I get to work with him in the future.

I love the friends that I am making in this show. It's such a blessing and a perfect welcome to the STL theatre community. Thanks. I'm growing increasingly anxious to let an audience into our world. Until then? ...Let the fun continue.

P.s- I know who Ari's crush is. We're friends. He tells me things.