Rehearsal Update: Relatively Speaking
Got a chance to see Relatively Speaking last night, the first show in our Belwood Season. Director RD Branton has been working in obscurity out in Salem for a few weeks now, so I was very anxious to see what had been accomplished, for this show which is under a month away from going up.
The first thing I noticed was a laid-back, relaxed rehearsal atmosphere, everyone laughing and talking prior to getting started. No "divas" here, just a group of people who seem to be getting along quite well despite being together just a short time.
Once we got into the rehearsal it became apparent that everyone understood this deceptively simple little play, and they weren't shy to play up the sub-text and hidden innuendos that are inherent in the script. I'm sure as time goes on they will discover even more of these comedic gems.
The key to good farce is great timing, and Branton clearly understands this, directing his actors to keep the dialogue crisp, brisk, and without ponderous pauses. The actors are still in the process of memorizing lines, so some of those "ponderous pauses" are to be expected, but by keeping on top of things and making sure the timing stays on track I'm quite confident that by opening night this show will fly along at a breakneck pace.
So I left Salem for the long drive home feeling pretty good about where that show is at. This afternoon I'm off to see The Belle of Amherst, so tomorrow I'll have something to report on that show, and next week I will be able to give you an update on The Middle Ages, our second Belwood show, which is finally getting underway too.
Rehearsals, rehearsals, everywhere.
The first thing I noticed was a laid-back, relaxed rehearsal atmosphere, everyone laughing and talking prior to getting started. No "divas" here, just a group of people who seem to be getting along quite well despite being together just a short time.
Once we got into the rehearsal it became apparent that everyone understood this deceptively simple little play, and they weren't shy to play up the sub-text and hidden innuendos that are inherent in the script. I'm sure as time goes on they will discover even more of these comedic gems.
The key to good farce is great timing, and Branton clearly understands this, directing his actors to keep the dialogue crisp, brisk, and without ponderous pauses. The actors are still in the process of memorizing lines, so some of those "ponderous pauses" are to be expected, but by keeping on top of things and making sure the timing stays on track I'm quite confident that by opening night this show will fly along at a breakneck pace.
So I left Salem for the long drive home feeling pretty good about where that show is at. This afternoon I'm off to see The Belle of Amherst, so tomorrow I'll have something to report on that show, and next week I will be able to give you an update on The Middle Ages, our second Belwood show, which is finally getting underway too.
Rehearsals, rehearsals, everywhere.
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