Final weekend

Thursday: Pick-up rehearsal for Green Cast von Trapp kids, Max, Maria, Captain, Rolf

We will run every scene that has the children in it.

Rehearsal will run from 7:00 pm until about 9:30 pm, possibly closer to 9:00 pm. No costumes or makeup or mics. I can run Rolf's two scenes with Liesl back-to-back later in the evening, so Matt can show up about 8:30 pm. Shaun Furter and Ms Teri will be involved in a Flat Stanley performance from about 7-8pm.

Friday, Call is 6:00 for those with mics, 6:30 for others. Vocal warm-ups are at 6:45.
Before the show, I would like to see Frau Schmidt & Franz, Frau Schmidt & Maria, and run the opening sequence with the nuns.

Saturday, Call is 6:00 for those with mics, 6:30 for others.


Sunday, Call is at 1:00 for those with mics, and 1:30 for everyone else.
After the show, we need parents, spouses, cast members to help with costumes, props, and tearing down the set (please bring power tools!!) and taking some pieces over to our storage on Woodedge. The show runs from 3-6, and we'll have some light snacks (like cookies) available immediately after, but we really need to WORK quickly and hard for about 1 1/2 hours and then head over to the cast party. I will need HELP during the day on Monday from anyone that is available, because we need to finish getting all set pieces and furniture pieces off the Garza stage and out of the building.

Thanks for making this a FABULOUS RUN that you can all be very proud of! Thanks for making it both excellent and fun.

Scripts

Blue cast- please turn in your scripts on Sunday. Make sure you have erased all your notes. Thanks!

This Week

We have several people who are unable to be at rehearsal on Thursday for significant reasons.

THEREFORE we will not be recording the show on Thursday, NOR will we be taking the cast photo.


Thursday's rehearsal: no nuns or nazi's called

7:00-8:00: Maria and Von Trapp Children (both casts) We need to correct some choreography that has gotten a little bit sloppy. Also, to fix some blocking on a couple scenes.

Friday:
Call 5:30 for Max and Elsa
Call 6:00 for those needing mics
Call 7:00 for those not needing mics - This doesn't mean you are entering the building at 7:00. Vocal warmups are AT 7:00

Saturday:

Call 6:00 for everyone. Get into costumes quickly and prepare for cast photo. Blue Cast in opening costume. Green cast in Festival costumes. We will be taking cast photo at 6:15 pm.

Sunday:

Call is 1:00 for those with mics; 2:00 for those without mics. Vocal warmups will be at 2:00. Please park across the street to allow space for one audience to begin to arrive while the afternoon audience is still here.

We will provide dinner between the shows. I will order an additional sandwich platter, and 2 more bags of chips. There will also be salad and dressing to accompany the meal.

We have a large group of Girl Scouts coming Sunday. They will be doing a backstage tour before the show, and we will do a bit of a short talk-back after the matinee show. We will need our leads to be able to stay on stage (we will provide a lunch plate for you) and answer some questions for about 15 min.


Here are two YouTube videos about the Anschluss:

VIDEO ONE
VIDEO TWO

Sunday Double-header

Sunday, Call is at 1:00, unless you have called Cary or Teri to tell us otherwise. Teri's number is 832-630-2185.

We will be providing lunch (sandwiches, salad, chips, lemonade) between the shows for cast and crew.

You will not be able to visit with audience after the matinee show.

Please park across the street. Men, please plan to walk our ladies to their cars after the evening performance.

Saturday, December 3

Call is at 6:00 for anyone with mics and in need of vocal warm-ups. 7:00 if you do not sing and do not wear a mic. We will NOT be taking a cast photo today (see Carla's note below). There is just an awful lot going on today with auditions and everything. We will not need both casts of children there tonight.

Note regarding intermission: Bob will not do an intermission speech. However, we will play the 3-min entra' acte, followed by house lights off, and then right into the next song, during which the curtain opens.

Guys in the green room: Audience members are permitted to use the bathrooms near your dressing room, so during that 15 min, we recommend you stay in the dressing room. However, you have much of the rest of the show that you are not stuck in that room and are free to roam a bit...

Tonight, we are making a couple changes regarding nuns:

1) The song immediately after the party and as the new postulant enters just isn't working. It hasn't been great, but last night was the worst it's been. It also requires a frantic costume change after the party. Instead, after the party guests exit stage right, circle around behind the stage to stage left. The song will be sung from behind Mother Abbess' office (unseen). This allows us to have access to every available nun, without the frantic change. You can circle up, or get in whatever formation allows you to hear each other well. You'll also be closer to a monitor, which will have the mic'd voices in it. We will try this before tonight's show. Sister Sophia will still enter with postulant from stage right.

2) The finale of "Climb Every Mountain" in the cemetery/prayer garden - The "ahhs" will be started by Sister Sophia on the upstage raised platform. Sister Margaretta can join in from the stage. This has a more natural sound than starting on the stage and then having the rest of the nuns join in.

When you arrive today, you may find parking to be very full. Please park across the street by the park, so that we don't take every available space away from the businesses in the center . Men in the cast, please be available after tonight's show to walk our female cast members across the street to their cars after the show. Tomorrow, it will be necessary to park across the street as well.

Anyone?

I need someone to lobby guard tonight.( Sat. 12/3) I will make sure you will get a comp for any nother night, even though it might be next to tech booth since there are very few seats left.
I will be in Seusical auditions all day , so please text me. 281-682-9424.

cast picture

We will be taking the cast picture at the beginning of Thursday's pick up rehearsal. (This is a change from a previous blog.) After the picture the green cast may be dismissed. Blue cast wear sailor's uniforms, green cast in festival clothes. Everyone else in their costumes they wear at the beginning of Act 1.

Friday

On Friday, Call is at 6:00 pm. Everyone please come in and get mic'd up. I will set the table on the floor so that I can use the stage to position nuns for the opening number. I need to place Nevin in the formation, and I need to make sure it moves well to the wider formation on the bells. We need a couple of the nuns on stage right to move one step more. I'll show you on Friday.

"Maria" worked really well on Sunday. I'd like to run it once before the show to make sure we've cemented it. It looked so much less congested, and everyone looked more comfortable.

Party-goers, please remember to not all exit right after the Lendler. If you do, Max arrives in time for a non-party.

Party-goers, when the children come down to sing, group yourselves on the upstage platform or behind the Captain and Elsa. If you come too far downstage, you block part of the audience's view of the kids.

Max, we ran a scene with Captain, Admiral, and Herr Zeller after you left, and realized we need to change where you are when you talk to the Admiral. Please come downstage of the couch to tell him that the Captain has just been on his honeymoon. We'll try to run that scene Fri before the show, but you can walk through it with J, Shamus and Hannes

Frau Schmidt, remember to stay on solid ground for most of your conversation with Franz. After you say, "It's so humiliating," start up the stairs. Keep walking while Franz talks. Stop and turn just slightly, so you can say your line over your shoulder without having to do a complete turn on the stairs, then finish your ascent. This way, you're not twisting and turning half way up the staircase. Remember to do any turning on the balls of your feet so you don't stress the knee.

Nazi's, when you pull the curtains down, be careful not to twist the rod, or it shortens. Then, when you go to put it back up for bows, it might not stay up.

Scenes/songs to run preshow:

Opening sequence with nuns
Maria
Second Morning hymn (smaller group)
Edelweiss
Sound of Music Reprise
16 going on 17

Character award and cast party

Please be thinking about who you would like to nominate for HFAC's Character award. Nominations should be based on the actor (not production team member) that best demonstrates our core values -
FUN * FAMILY * EXCELLENCE * DIVERSITY
INTEGRITY * RESPECT * TEAMWORK * LOVE


And now for something really important.....

Who is up to hosting our cast party? Food will be provided- you just need to unlock the door. If you can't host but would like to help plan and organize please see me, Carla, or email me at pconover@entouch.net.

December 6 Spirit Night at Steak 'n Shake

Tues, Dec 6, from 6:00 - 10:00 pm: HFAC Spirit Night at Steak 'n Shake (1960 & N. Eldridge). Meet up with friends and support us at the same time! Just drop your receipt in the box and 20% of your purchase goes to HFAC!

pick-up rehearsal

Pick-up rehearsal Thursday, Dec 1 at 7:00 pm -
Nazi soldiers not called.
I have TWO people listed with conflicts on Thursday.

Debbie will run all music with nuns/novices/postulants, while we run scenes with the green cast on the stage, beginning with Maria's arrival at the von Trapp home. There are some scenes I will also run with blue cast. Ms. Debbie will also run music with the children. Costumes and makeup not required. (However, we will take time to figure out the problems with Maya's festival costume!) Children will be done by 9:30. Rehearsal may continue until 10pm.

There are currently nine tickets available for Friday, Dec 2
Saturday, Dec 3 is sold out
There are currently eleven tickets available for Sunday afternoon Dec 4 at 3:00
Sunday, December 4 at 7:00 pm is sold out

Ticket Alert

There are 8 seats available for today's show. They can be purchased online.

Another Great Show!

The audience LOVES you! Another great show tonight!

You should all be very proud of your show. You look amazing!

I think the prize has to go to Maya, who managed to stay completely in character despite having a skirt that was unfastened through three scenes! She kept her cool and held her skirt up while doing all her choreography and blocking, and even remembered to look at the Nazi as she left the festival.

We have had some actors giving a variety of different acting notes to other actors, so please refrain from doing this. This is occurring with actors of all ages, including the children. If you have a concern, please mention the issue to Cary or me so we can either correct the problem or watch the scene or song more carefully.

Sunday's show is at 3:00 pm. House opens at 2:30. Call is at 1:00. I realize that a few of you have church services that will get you there late, but if most people can arrive by 1:00, we'll not fall behind on being ready. By 2:00 at the latest, I need to run a few scenes before the house opens.

I have a few notes regarding some set issues.

Again, great job tonight!

A Couple of House Notes

Congrats on a great opening show. I heard many positive things from our patrons last night. Keep it up!
Now that you are in costumes , please do not bring any food or drinks , except bottled water into the backstage area or dressing rooms. Your call is at 6. Please eat dinner before you arrive. At 6 you should be getting into costumes, fixing hair and makeup, getting mics and rehearsing any last minute things.

Also, please tell your family and friends that no one may take any pictures or videos during a show. Bob has posted hundreds of pictures from dress rehearsals that you may have. Due to licensing constraints we are forbidden to make and sell DVDs of this production. Rogers and Hammerstein are sticklers and would not be please to see any videos show up on Youtube.

Thanks for your cooperation.

SATURDAY MORNING

CONGRATULATIONS on a GREAT opening night!!!

Saturday morning is a rehearsal for Green Cast and selected other cast members.

We will skip over scenes that the children are not in, but they need the opportunity to run the show on the stage, particularly Act II.

Kids and Maria, please arrive in time to start at 10:00 am

We will run Act II with Max, Elsa, Captain, Frau Schmidt, Sister Margaretta, and Franz. We need these adults to please arrive at 11:00 am.

For the REST OF THE CAST: Call is at 6:00, 6:45 is vocal warmups 7:00 is company meeting and cast circle.

SUNDAY - call is at 1:00 pm

Scene notes from Wednesday

In order to not keep you late, the team is giving you these notes online. Please read this, and any music or choreography notes below as well.

You have a fabulous show and you've all worked so very hard. Here is where all that hard work pays off. I do want to say that I really liked the way some of you were able to continue to strengthen your character Wednesday.

Captain: Thank you. You were much stronger at the beginning, and the coldness was a nice contrast to your later character. I love the way you take the smallest suggestion and run with it. You could be even more rigid at the beginning.

Mother Abbess: I really liked the softer, kinder character you showed me on Wednesday. Show me as much motherly love and gentleness you can.


NUNS/NOVICES/POSTULANTS: All of you will enter through the mural hallway.

SOUND: Please make the opening chimes loud enough to feel like we are in the church.

LIGHTING: I think I do want the opening light cue to include the wall sconces.
Nuns' makeup: Foundation, some blush, some mascara and light eyeliner. A little light (not white) shadow under the brow line can open up your eyes. Mother Abbess, The white makeup under your eyes was distracting.

Lights came up too soon in "Sound of Music" Start the music, then bring up lights just before Maria sings.

Maria, I think we're going to have to leave you on the stairs. It looks wrong to have you singing the song in what we have come to see as the abbey. I'd like to be able to close the grand after the nuns leave, but the light that hits you on the stairs is apparently coming from the stage.

Mother Abbess: You called Sister Berthe Sister Margaretta.

SET: We need to figure out how to keep the pictures straight on the turning platform.

Sister Margaretta should always be smiling.

Sister Berthe's chair was blocking the door. Overall, the new position of the desk worked very well in the scene.

Sound cue was a smigeon late on "outpester any pest" - need to work it with the nuns

Mother Abbess: It hurts a bit to have to give hard news to Maria. This is the reason you sing the song, to try to build rapport. Be ever so gentle as you say, "It seems to be the will of God that you leave us."

Mother Abbess: I loved the softness as you came and gently said, "I'm not sending you to his battleship."

Postulants who help Maria: Be there to interact with Maria. Help her, listen to her, give her someone to talk to. Even as you take the screen, look back at her as if to say "good luck, we'll miss you"

Maria/Costumes: Maria's hat appears to be a problem in "I have confidence". Leslie, you keep holding your hat. Do you need to carry it longer, and put it on later, like when you say "Oh, help" ?

SET: As a general rule, all pieces of a set come out at the same time and at the same pace. table and flowers should be in hand at the end of the scene, so that they walk on at exactly the same time as the couch. The bench and tree and the turning platform should all happen together.

Franz: You went over to the table with the plant. It was off center and I had hoped you would move it.

Frau Schmidt: Your line is not "They've got a telegram for you." It is "They have a telegram for you." Try to be a little stiffer and a little less Texan in your speech. I do hope you're OK. We may still have you adjust pieces during scene changes, but generally it will be walking on with a small piece that someone has handed you. Please let me know if I need to remove blocking that goes up the big stairs.

Franz: Cut the "too bad" after Frau Schmidt says she wasn't in the navy.

Captain: A little more sarcastic on "This is what you call a worldly dress??"

Kurt: Step forward, THEN say your name. Don't talk as you're stepping. Thank you for saying it right away and not standing there thinking of what to say.

Louis: Nice giggle after Maria calls Fredrich almost a man.

Kids: We may have to move you higher up the stairs on Do-re-mi, like one step higher. The couch is blocking you.

Kurt, don't go over there and then decide where you're supposed to be. Currently, you sit on the bottom step. If I move the kids up a step, you'll be on the second step.

CAST: It's really FUN to see places where I've given a note and at the very next rehearsal it's fixed! I love you all!

Rolf/Liesl: I made a new bench today, so you'll have a sturdy one for your number.

SET: Bench will come out in every Terrace scene

MARIA/SET: Can Maria put up her own screen in the bedroom? Looks like we will be using a screen (green & white) rather than a curtain rod

Frau Schmidt: I liked what you were doing with the notes I gave you. Please sit down on the bed a little earlier and stay a little longer.

We have put glow tape where the fixed platform meets the rotating one.

Friedrich and Kurt, when you come into the room, I liked having kurt upstage of Friedrich. That allowed us to see Kurt's face when he suddenly turns to look at Friedrich.

Kids: SMILE SMILE SMILE and have fun during "Lonely Goatherd" - some of you were serious even during the pillow fights. You were a little late getting on the bed for the pillows.

Blue nightgown needs to be on the bed so Maria can hand it to Liesl.

GRETL: After the scene in Maria's bedroom, there is music and a blackout. Do not start singing until the lights come up on you and there is a crash of thunder.

Baronness Schrader: Please be even bigger. You are the big city woman, and you should move like a famous movie star. You're a little out of your element in the country, but you find it charming.

LIGHTS: I noticed during a couple scenes that it was so bright in the house I had no problem writing my rehearsal notes. I even looked around to make sure house lights weren't on.

SET: I liked the curtains that were handing on the other side of the windows when we were in the terrace. Once we get the frosted glass in the window, we'll see if we need the curtains.

ROLF: "Heil" is up at a 45 degree angle

MARIA/CAPTAIN: The line "I haven't finished yet" should elicit a bigger response from both of you. Captain, you should be more startled and insulted. Maria, pause for just a beat before continuing.

CAPTAIN: When singing with just Maria, look out on SOund of Music, and then look at her on the line "heart is lonely" You're doing it, but a little too soon.

COSTUMES: Heather's dress is so light, and doesn't seem to go with the jewel tones. SHe's blending into the wall. It there at least a jacket or a stole she can wear? She needs some color.

SOUND: Party music needs to be louder for the Lendler.

Timing on the opening scene for party was perfect. Everyone got through their lines, and Captain sat down with Brigitta just as the music ended.

David and Amy - your entrance and your dance looked good.

BARONESS SCHRAEDER: Well, Hello there should have more suspicion in it.

BARONESS SCHRAEDER: "I've been dodging these folks" is said very lightly - you haven't really been avoiding them. You're a little nervous, and you had a headache, but it's time to face the crowd and hope they like you.

CJ - NICE JOB on the cuckoo!!! You did what I told you to do. Thank you!

KIDS: In doing so long farewell, you need to step to the right each time you go through your turn and kick assembly. That way, the line keeps moving over. This will allow Kurt room to get through instead of running into the crowd of people. It will also end up leaving Gretl in about the middle at the bottom of the stairs, which will set her apart from the crowd.

SET: Table has to come off after Maria leaves the party. They need to be gone before the nuns come on.

SET: Nuns can come on the same time as the set turns, or the set can turn after the nuns are finished. Set should turn slowly. There are some pink tape marks that can guide you so you don't bump the set against the platform.

Mother Abbess and Maria, cheat out in your scene. We can't see faces with those veils.

NUNS/POSTULANTS/NOVICES: Try pinning the veil so that it hangs behind your shoulders

MAX: on the stage of a big convert hall" not "on the hall of a big concert stage"

SOUND: Liesl's mic was interfering with blowing the pitch pipe

SET: flap on set piece is open for terrace scene, and the garden basket on the wall should hang way in the corner where it will not interfere with blocking

CAPTAIN: Show a little more pain when you say, "We do not need Fraulein Maria" - This is what Elsa is reacting to when she says she needs a walk

Boys were out of tune in Sound of Music reprise

Friedrick - when you twirl Gretl, put her on the bench, not the floor.

Maria: smile when you say we have a new postulant - it's a bit of a shared joke

Else - I love the green dress - you're gorgeous! Be bigger than life - movie star big

Captain, look out at the sunset when Else talks about the sunsets, then look at her after she says "I'm going to miss them." - by saying that, she just broke up with you.

Else: As you're leaving, turn to face the audience when you say goodbye to Maria and then look at Captain one more time, then turn back to leave

Captain - song was LOVELY! Last note was off

Mother Abbess: Marriage is a formal occasion, but you are happy for her. You had a very stern expression when getting your red stole.

POSTULANTS: When music starts, Margaret enter from stage right and cross entire stage. Others will then cross with you as you walk backwards. This will give us some time so the nuns aren't stuck on stage so long.

PROPR: We need a sheer nightgown

The scene with the mother abbess putting on the veil was lovely!

First nuns on the stage, close the curtains on the platform during the wedding

KIDS: You came down too soon. You come when the orchestra music begins, not when the nuns are singing in latin.

KIDS: Make sure you come down the middle or right side of stairs so you have room at the bottom.

GRETL: I have put a piece of tape to tell you where to stop.

KIDS: Don't be in a rush. Gretl was almost stepping on Maria's dress.

LIGHTING: Cross seems too bright

Is there enough light for nuns to get down the stairs? They seemed to bottleneck and weren't off stage yet when we went into the living room.

Max - lines on page 86 - When is Captain Von Trapp Returning

Frau Schmidt - You have to know your lines and the preceding lines well enough that even if someone transposes them a bit, you still know when to come in.

Where were Franz & Frau Schmidt with the presents?? Nice cover, J

Actors: Never stop a scene!!! You can't just grind to a halt because something doesn't seem exactly right.

I suggest putting captain and Maria's suitcases along the short wall, so that Captain has room in the corner upstairs

Kids: you cannot wave from the balcony behind the curtains - Mackenzie, I could see you. Kids, you cannot watch the show from the wings, and you cannot block people's entrances and exits. If you're getting ready to come on, stand single file so people can get past you.

ADULTS: Please be a good example to the children, and please be patient with them. If they're standing ready to go on, be glad that they're not wanting to miss their entrance. Please don't push or scold. It is appropriate to say, "Excuse me, you're blocking my entrance." Not "move!"

Franz - You missed a cue two days in a row - the same cue. You have an entrance when the door bell rings. Please check that entrance so you don't miss it.

Admiral and Captain - Bring your conversation down center.

What happened to the program? There was no program for Herr Zeller to look at. Brigintta had shown it to Captain, and he was looking a6 it when he scolded Max. But then they didn't have it later in the scene.

SET: Table and floweres were not removed going into the festival scene.

Children: Be more apprehensive and nervous as you leave - look back at your parents. This is not like when you were doing it in your own home for guests. This is to trick the soldiers, and if they catch on, you'll be in big trouble. Look at David as you go by him.

David: Great job on the commands. Don't forget to go to the top of the stairs for a better vantage point. In the dark, you can move the flag. You might have time to put up the sheers too while you're up there and while they're putting out the tomb stones.

There was too much fog.

The bench will come out upstage center into the prayer garden.

On Maria's Line "Know Mountain...Garden" = Nuns will cross with Maria's Line

A few more notes:


* Need to discuss 2nd Curtain Close/Open Call

* Frau Schmidt must rise from the bed on her line, "It Will Work Out"

* Elsa's Line, "I Like It Here Very Much" = Open up/Cheat Out during this line. Captain is Up-Stage of Elsa and she is giving a Full Back here which does not make sense with what is happening in the scene.

* Captain has been dropping his line, "Straight Line!"

* Light Cue 56 = Delete Gobo

* Frau Schmidt's Line, "Herr Deitweiler, can you help me, please" needs to be delivered faster, in more of a panic. Maybe start the line on "Morning". It will overlap just a bit - OK to interrupt

* Actors QUIET Backstage! Plus, be aware of Off-Stage Movements(some visible to the Audience)

* Microphone in festival scene needs to be moved upstage and spiked.

* Gretel's Quick Change after the Wedding = Marilyn needs more time with the change.

* No Drinks, Food, Scripts, ETC...on any Set or Prop Piece, Please.


SET: We will set every scene Friday morning and take a picture.

YOU ARE GOING TO BE AMAZING!!! Most of your shows are sold out. Tell your friends they better hurry!

Choreography notes

SOM Notes 11/24/2011
I was able to see the whole run last night and I have a few last tweaking notes. I really appreciate the adjustments you made from the notes regarding Tuesday nightʼs run.
Thanks! And Happy Thanksgiving!
How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria?
• Berthe, Sophia, Margaretta- Take each “A flibberti gibbit, “A willoʼ wisp”, “A Clown” to the next person down the line so the last one is directed at Mother Abbess.
• Berthe, Sophia, Margaretta- when Mother Abbess sings “A girl” from her desk,
everyone look at her.
My Favorite Things
• Maria- Beautiful turn Leslie on “tied”. Thank you for that adjustment.
I Have Confidence
• Maria- Can you take your guitar and suitcase with you when you go out into the
audience? It looks odd that you set them down to ʻtravelʼ and then pick them back up.
Iʼm not sure what we set originally, but I think it will work better like that.
• Maria- Can you end the song with your hands on top of your hat, rather than your hips. I know that is a change.
Do Re Mi
• Kurt & Friederich- At the end of the first full song of Do Re Mi, sit on the couch on the bump like Gretyl and Marta do (but on the SR side).
• Kurt- When you sing “Far” and the children are marching backward really run in a
circle around them with energy and then back to your spot.
• Gretyl (CJ)- On “A Note to Follow So” the right hand gestures first.
16 Going on 17
• Rolf/ Liesel- in general be careful-- think ahead of your movement and donʼt feel you have to rush. In fact, many times we are getting there way too early with the playing space allotted. Remember the intention of the song- a playful, young, flirty love. Savor it and remember what that felt like for something to be new and exciting and unsure. You wouldnʼt want to rush through it.
• Liesels- be careful that when you mock him that you are being playful in a silly
moment, not a mean one.
• Rolf- The bike still seems in the middle of the stage. Please set more USL.
• Liesel- Donʼt pinch Rolf on the chest until you sing “men”- just touch his arms prior to that.
• Rolf- you did better lifting her up, but any time you spin her really make contact- donʼt let her just do it on her own even though she can, it looks really inauthentic to the audience.
• Tracy- Can the thunder be louder at the end of this song? It breaks up a kiss and it was hard for me to hear in the house.
Lonely Goatherd
• Children: Remember 2 chasse circles around on Mariaʼs last “Happy are they lady O
lady” and Freeze on “Soon the duet will become a trio”.
• Children: Remember no handshakes anymore. Just go on to the bed in the order you
would have gone with the handshake movement. (ie. if Marta & Kurt went first in the
handshakes then they still go first and sit on bed just cut the handshake movement.
Then whoever was next crosses to the bed and sits etc. Then the Captain will come in
and interrupt).
• Maria/ Lights- Can you fall onto the bed, defeated, on the bump in the music? Can we hold the black out until after that beat?
The Lendler
• David & Amy- You still need to start more center. Aim your turn out of the regular waltz to happen in front of where the stairs meet the US platform. Then you will be in the right spot for The Lendler dance since it goes right into.
• Everyone- Smile! Laugh! Itʼs a party. Donʼt be afraid to make audible noise while
dancing.
• Dancers- you got off on your counts at the end when Maria & the Captain started
speaking. Remember 2 & 1-3 waltz around partner, 4-6 turn her. 1-6 waltz around
connected by crossed palms. Then 1-6 girls curtsy. 1-6 boys bow. Donʼt be afraid to
finish out the song even if they arenʼt speaking anymore. It is supposed to look like
that.
So Long Farewell
• Brigitta (Jessica)- Donʼt put your hands behind your back until the 4th bell tone. But really nice scene work. Brigitta is a hard role and both of you girls are doing a great job!!
• Gretyl (CJ)- eyes up on “Coo coo”. And make sure you donʼt jump forward until you
sing the word “You”. You were a little early last night.
• Children- After you wipe hands 1-2, actually hop toward SR on 3-4, so we can move
the line down (Rather than just turning SR).
• Louisa- when you sing “fly” no sun arms- just use the same diagonal arm you use in
the second act.
• Children- when you first sing “So” in the phrase “so long farewell” and you are on the stairs LOOK at the guests. I still saw children looking at the audience.
-SECOND ACT
My Favorite Things Reprise
• Everyone- Since there is a bench DR, after Friederich turns Gretyl DS, girls actually
move to sit on the bench and other children stand behind so we use it. Then when
Maria comes in and hugs you everyone adjust center stage so the chasse circle
happens there. Maria has to end up USC in the circle when children hug her on last
beat. Make sure all tall children hug her in plie.
No Way to Stop It
• Elsa- remember to cross far DR on “Let them think theyʼre on your side” and then look back at the captain on “be non-committal”
• Elsa- donʼt cross to center stage until you actually sing “a crazy planet full of crazy people”- let the Captain move his chair first in that musical space while you watch then move on your lyric.
• Captain- when you sing “thatʼs you” make sure you pop up SR of Elsa so you are not
covered by her.
• Elsa- donʼt look at the Captain at the end of the song. You can look out or at the
jewelry on your hand.
So Long Farewell Reprise
• Children- Make sure arms are sharp on the clock. The first 2 children were late- those should pop up together as one unit and connect palm to palm at the same time.
• Greytl- Make sure you remember to pop up on the first “Coo Coo”
• Children- In general it looked like you guys were remembering it as you were going
along. Might need to run it a few more times for memory.
------
Thank you everyone!!! Happy opening tomorrow!! Xo Ellen



SOM Choreography Notes 11/23/11
Thank you everyone for your hard work last night. I am very proud of you and I think you will have a very charming successful show! I have a few last notes that are very
important for you to read. Even though I only saw one set of children BOTH casts need
to read the notes because it could effect your staging etc. Again, thank you and break a leg Friday!! XO Ellen

How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria?
• All Nuns- you move down into a line at the edge of the stage when you sing “how do
you solve a problem like maria”- make sure you are equally distant from each other.
Later you are in a line again- same thing-- check peripherally that you are equally
spaced.
• All Nuns- Hands come in front of the body, palms up, on “Moon”, open hands on
“beam”, and then put hands in pockets on “hand” (like you did before). I just wanted to make this more clean.

My Favorite Things
• Maria- When you tie on “brown paper packages tied” let the arm extension of the tying initiate the drag turn. Like one movement.
• Mother Abbess- on the lyric “When the dog bites” try to get to the complete other side of Maria (Leslie may need to move a step DS to help this).
• Both- “And then I donʼt feel so bad” keep out looking at the audience, then look at
each other on the bump at the end of the song.

I Have Confidence
• Teri/ Maria- do we need the nuns to actually help change Maria? If we donʼt can they just come out and bring the screen in the blues, then come back on and strike it when she is finished using it? (They are very distracting). Alternatively, if we do need them to help her then Maria needs to deliver the first part of the song to them as if she is singing to them about her concerns and cut that first cross to center stage.
• Maria- Keep your eyes up on the bell kicks and donʼt worry about making it big- it can be small.
• Maria- Go off the stage in the middle of the song and sing to the front row
Do Re Mi
* Maria- sit more SR on the stairs when you say “Come on Iʼll make it easier” so that at least Louisa can sit by you on the stairs and not half on half off.

Teri- Ilich said you guys have a beautiful chaise lounge you used for Midsummer- is
there anyway we can use that instead of the couch?
Teri- The guitar seems to be in the way. Is there anyway it can live far DSR on the other side of the couch?
Children- If we keep the couch, the children need to clump all around it and not have
space between their bodies and the couch.
Maria- when going down the line with the children when you tap their heads and they
plie, you need to plie 2x when you sing “do do” and tap on top of your head.
Raegan- right hand gestures first on “A Note to Follow So”.

16 Going on 17
Rolf- when you jump off the bench try not to be so loud- land in plie lightly.
Rolf- when you are singing “You need someone older and wiser” and crossing away
from Liesel while she mocks you- do not smile-- it looks like you are giving away her
joke before it happens. Just think about how you are going to protect her and keep her safe from the out side world- you are the man she needs.
Teri/Rolf- Can the bike live more USL- it seems to be in the way for the whole scene/
number.
Rolf & Liesel- Last Dance break: You have to connect more. Rolf when she turns
around, really lift her up on the bench-- stay connected to her. She will help you by
using a plie. The last lift at the end also needs work-- it should be seamless-- you begin to turn her one way as a prep and then change into another turn-- it should flow. Both of you and both Liesels should work this multiple times to try and get it to look smoother.
Also the ending was late-- you have to kiss on that bump or it ruins everything. So work that timing with the music and the jacket prop-- if you need to leave earlier that is fine as long as the kiss is timed to the end note of the song.
Liesel- that “Wee” is iconic-- donʼt feel worried to really go for it-- let it ring out to the back of the house-- if you do, the audience will rejoice with you!

Lonely Goatherd
Gia- once Maria gets up and starts dancing, stop crossing legs and sit up and look at
her. By the way you did an amazing job last night-- your scene work was beyond your
years. Iʼm very impressed :)
Gretl- remember to put your hands around your mouth the first time you sing “Lay de o
de lay oo” when you are on Kurtʼs lap.
Children- make that first big circle that Maria gets in the middle of on the other side of the bed (SR). There is more room.
Maria/ Liesel- Stay DR and DL respectively, of the children when they move up to throw the pillows-- you two keep singing with your focus out or to each other and the children will just be an extra fun addition in USC on the bed. You can notice them- just donʼt get hidden back behind them-- you two are the focus.
Children- At the end of the song CUT the handshake up to the bed. When you start
echo singing, just move in to the bed and sit around Maria and the Captain will come in and cut you off.

How Does Love Survive?
Elsa- “Keeping romance alive”- make sure you are looking at the Captain when you sing
this lyric.
Elsa- No foot flick at the end of the number, but the sharp look from you and the Captain toward Max works really well.

The Lendler
David/ Ellie- Need to start more center stage.
Everyone- need to have more confidence and more joyful-- you are at a party and this is a dance you do all the time.
David- at the end, the girls curtsy first for 1-6 and then the boys bow for 1-6 (you went at the same time as the girls)

So Long Farewell
Sean- you were late on your hands behind the back on the last bell tone.
3 young girls- “And the bells in the steeple too”- there are 4 leans.
All Children- space out your line more. Maybe the guests could be a little more SL and children adjust slightly more right. We have no room for the movement- which is really lovely btw. Thank you.
Guests- you should LIKE this number. It is supposed to be charming and even goes on
in the second act to be performed at a festival. Please react positively-- the audience sees you too. Never think you arenʼt important on stage- even if you say no lines-- you are very important and help tell the story.
Louisa- “Fly” more DSL so Brigitta can reel you in. You were right next to her last night so it didnʼt make sense.
All children- when you are on the stairs and sing “So Long Farewell” look at the guests. You are singing that to them- you are saying goodbye to the guests- look at them.
--------------------
There were so many things that were so lovely last night. I just know it will continue to grow and be a lovely show. You should feel very proud.

Notes from Tuesday

Went back through some video tonight - You look and sound great!

At the top of the show, the house will fade to blackout and that will be the signal for the bells. Table is preset upstage center with a few votive candles on it.

Actors may not walk across the stage once the curtain is closed and the audience is in the theatre. Hannes and Larry, please limit movement on the stage.

NUNS/NOVICES/POSTULANTS - Sing loudly for the opening chants, please!

PROPS: Need to find the black curtain and rod for the doorway in to the hallway.

NUNS/NOVICES/POSTULANTS: Hallways are not echoing as anticipated... because of the number of bodies in them. Please sing loudly. Start entering during the third solo.

HANNES: Grand needs to open at the beginning of the third solo.

SOUND AND MOTHER ABBESS: After the morning hymn, and before the alleluia, there are chimes.

LIGHTS: As the nuns run out, lights fade. Lights don't come back kup until after music has started, just before Maria sings. The audience will be expecting her to be on the stage.

PROPS/SET: Book on Mother Abbess' desk looked like a magazine or something. The desk looked generally cluttered.

SET: There will be a painting and a crucifix on the wall in Mother Abbess' office. The red curtains looked messy. They may have been caught on the windows.

SET: The windows need to be sanded so that they open and close more easily

SOUND: Nuns begin "she'll out pester any pest drive a hornet from its nest..." The music starts in the middle of "pester"

SOUND: Need a way to hold the button at the end of "Maria"

SET: Mother Abbess' desk needs to be painted

MOTHER ABBESS: Lyrics in Favorite Things

POSULANTS AND NOVICES: Please get with Ms. Susan and find out how to wear your veils

POSULANTS OR NOVICES HELPING MARIA - Help her! Maria was struggling to get her coat, pick up her things, etc. Make sure you help take the nuns' habit, hand her the guitar or bag, and be involved in helping her to get ready to go. THEN take the screen and leave when she steps to center.

MARIA - Speak/yell "wake up!" in your song

SET: Ideally, rooms should transform at the same time. Couch comes on at the same time as the table, the bench comes on at the same time as the tree and the turning platform. Both sides of the stage work in tandem.

FRAU SCHMIDT - You must be firm and speak with authority. You tell Maria there will be new curtains. Instead of being appreciative, she questions that decision by saying they still are fine. You firmly say "There will be new curtains." as though she has no right to question.

CAPTAIN - Although the whistle for Frau Schmidt did come early, I liked that she wasn't standing there waiting for the whistle. Your cue line is "Don't let the captain hear you say that"

KIDS: You have to be SILENT when up on the platform or waiting to come up the stairs

SOUND: We're making the church bells where they're not an automatic tag to the end of the music cue as Maria comes into the von Trapp House Need to be able to fade the music and still have the bells when we want.

Maria, you can put your bag on the couch so that it's not in the way.

MARTA: speak up and enunciate. I couldn't hear the word parasol.

KURT: Make sure you're watching Maria in Do-re-Mi.

KIDS: Remember you point on "long" not on "fa" - This is at least the third time I've mentioned this.

GRETL: Tonight you sat on the couch near Maria after the first part of Do-Re-Mi, and I liked the formation. It's better than when you're standing. Stay on the couch with Maria and stand when she stands up.

Kids were great coming down the stairs, and for most of do-re-mi, but then it got off on the fast do-mi-mi mi-so-so You can't wait for the other person to finish

SET: We need to stabilize the bench

Rolf: You looked like you were wearing black tennis shoes

ROLF: Your bag was a problem and was in the way. Several times you or Liesl almost tripped on it, and then when you left you had to stop and get it. Can it be with your bike?

LIGHTING: May need to pull a little light up on Rolf and Maria at top of scene.

LIESL: I need to see some honest motivation for your yow! Part of it is that I don't think I want you on the bench. Try standing there stunned after the kiss, then feel the warmth coming into your face, and after Rolf has gone, Do your yow from right there.

CAST: Please stay ready & focused! There was a tree and a bench left on stage during Maria's bedroom scene, a bed that was moved with one person, and several times someone missed an entrance. It seems like part of the problem was not being able to hear.

MARIA: Change line to: We can hang that up to dry...

MARIA: Your bed will have sheets, so you can pull down the cover when checking for frogs.

Von Trapp Girls: Girls be careful how you sit or lie down in the night gowns. Gia, check with me. I need t change something.

SET: Bed for Bedrooom needs to come ON and OFF via the upstage platform, not ride in on the turning platform.

Bedroom: table, painting, bed, rug on platform, curtain in the arch way

Lights do not come up until the platform is finished turning.

PROPS: Don't need that huge plate of cookies for just Max, Elsa and Captain Half as many would be more than enough

SET: Bench and tree come on every time we're on the terrace

KIDS: You should now be able to hear your cue for Sound of Music reprise

ELSA: You look exactly like I wanted Elsa to look! Absolutely ravishing. I also like the depth you're giving to your character... not mean or manipulative.

MAX - Detweiler is pronounced with a "v"

CAPTAIN - Emphasis on the word "uniforms"

GRETL & MARTA - When dad starts to sing give each other a hug

MARIA: I love the reaction you have to Georg singing.

J - Finish saying "and I'll sing once more" before you leave. I want to see the way you smile at her.

ELSA - Maybe you need a reason to go off stage and come back to tell Maria Captain was pleased - It has brought out a softer side of him which you find interesting, for one thing.

SET, SOUND & LIGHTS - lights fade, sound cue, then platform turns/bench and tree off/table with arrangement on - all at the same time

Transition into party: 1) In the blackout, Captain, and two upstage couples enter. 2) Waltz begins 3) lights up 4) Couples continue to enter and Captain greets them. 5) David and Amy enter dancing (not in circles) 6) Frau Schmidt walks across with Gretl and Gretl bows instead of curtsy, gets corrected, and rest of lines continue

SOUND: Lendler doesn't begin until Captain asks Frau Schmidt to take up a glass of brandy.

Entrance with Maria & Kurt was late - apparently a costume issue

Women at party probably need wigs - let's look through what we have.

Colors at party should be bright - lipstick bright, but needs to be able to come off.

BRIGITTA - Make sure you're on the left side of the stairs sitting and watching as Maria has her conversation with Captain about the dress she wore the other night. Then give her a very knowing grin

After the party, we could decide to have the nuns sing offstage if we can't get you changed that quickly.

MOTHER ABBESS & MARIA Final scene of Act I has some spike marks you need to be on. In part of the scene one or both of you were in darkness. You ended up way too far apart at the close of the song.

MOTHER ABBESS -You have changed your blocking in that final scene with Maria, and now it's not working. I need to see it the way I blocked it, and then let's look at what you feel the problems are. You can't just change the blocking on your own. It's already as small a desk as we can logically use. It's also possible to move chairs.

BOYS - missed costume change. Need to get them more help or streamline process.

COSTUMES - Heather's white dress is out of place at the party

CARY: Air conditioner on house right needs to get turned off at the top of the show.

Set isn't quite finished yet! Still a few small things. If you haven't helped out for an hour or two yet, please come by during the day Wednesday.

CALL ON WEDNESDAY IS AT 6:00 - Please enter quietly through the mural hallway. There is a performance going on in the children's theatre. If you come early and get your mic on, you may be able to slip in to watch the performance at 6:00. There are also some other classes performing earlier in the day. Meredith is teaching one.

5:30 Captain & Maria
6:00 Get mics on and tested
6:20 Vocal warmups
6:35 Get dressed if you haven't yet
6:45 Company meeting and Cast Circle
7:00 Showtime!

Run it like a show, not stopping for anything but emergencies. Be alert, stay on your toes, and be sweet to everyone.

Updated volunteer schedule- please check

Sound of Music

*Denotes usher + lobby guard. Email Carla ASAP to get your comp ticket.

Nov 25 @ 8pm

1. Kristen Holava

2. Cheryl Crofton

3.* Annemarie

Nov.26 @ 8pm

1. Kristen Holava

2. Renee

3.* David Allen 12/2

Nov. 27 @ 3

1. Christin Thonnard

2. Cheryl Crofton

3.* Renee

Dec.2 @ 8pm

1. Corey Credeur

2. Tina Dennison

3.* Kristen Holava comp 12/4 @7

Dec. 3 @ 8pm

1. Kristen Holava

2. Leslie Harsany

3.* Carla

Dec. 4 @ 3pm

1. Renee

2. Annemarie

3.* Kristen Holava

Dec. 4 @ 7pm

1. Stephanie Friedhoff

2.Christin Thonnard

3.* Corey Credeur comp 12/4@7

Dec. 9 @ 8pm

1. Cheryl Crofton (mom)

2. Annemarie

3.* Kristen Holava

Dec. 10 @ 8pm

1. Leslie Harsany

2. Renee

3.* Annemarie

Dec. 11 @ 3pm

1. Cheryl Crofton

2. Kristen Holava

3.* Joey Doyle comp 12/11

Dec. 11 @ 7pm.

1.Joey Doyle

2. Kristen Holava

3.*Allison Koether

Dec. 16 @ 8pm

1. Renee

2. Annemarie

3.* Joyce Bennett

Dec. 17 @ 8pm

1. Doug Elliot

2. Stephanie Friedhoff

3.* Chris Bennett

Dec. 18 @ 3pm

1. Renee

2. Annemarie

3.* Kristen Holava

Music Notes from Ms. Debbie

Cast, you are all so incredible! The work you put into each scene, each song, each movement is impressive. You've all grown so much! Clearly, you're trying to tie up any loose ends before opening. As a result of your work, the notes I have are far less than previous rehearsals. Let's work together to erase these notes as well. Thank you!

So Long, Farewell: Marta, your entrance was late, so your solo was behind. Be sure you come in right on time, then I know you'll nail the rest of your solo.

Kurt, better on your entrance, but keep working it. You'll have it next time, I know. Just remember you have to know the words you're going to sing before it's time.

Louisa, connect the notes in a smoother fashion when you sing "fly" on your solo.

Gretl, your solo at the end is so much slower than everyone else's. Really listen to that music to stay on tempo with it.

Climb Ev'ry Mountain: Mother Abbess, lovely!! I love your expression and interaction with Maria. Consonants are getting lost, though, because it's at the bottom of your range. Explode, even overdo, them. We can always pull back, if needed.

No Way to Stop It: All, consonants! This happens because it's low for Max and Elsa. If you explode the consonants, even if the pitch isn't totally there, at least the audience will understand what you're singing.

Max and Elsa, your singing gets lost in the movements. You must really project. Lots of support and air!

An Ordinary Couple: Maria, when you sing the word "ordinary", it's usually excellent. Tonight it relaxed too much and became "or-dnn-nary". Good job, otherwise.

Captain, when you first start singing, you're behind the beat, then you start rushing later. Keep the tempo steady throughout. The orchestration is usually right on your note, so it should help you stay with it. On that last note, just settle into it. You've done it before, so I know it's there. It's time YOU knew it!

Wedding Scene: Nuns, excellent diction tonight!!! Thank you!! Tall vowels.....just beautiful! Keep reviewing your parts. Sometimes the middle voices get lost in there. Keep listening and balancing.

There seems to be some confusion on entrance and exit. After Mother Abbess blesses Maria, they exit her office and lights will go down. As they do, the chimes will begin to sound. As soon as you hear the chimes start, that's your cue to move into position. You'll begin singing once everyone is in place. Also, at the end of the wedding scene, you must stay in place until after you've finished singing. The orchestration will come back on as your exit music.

Reprise: 16 Going on 17: Really good tonight, especially considering you had never heard the track! Nice job!

Liesl, wait just one more measure for your entrance on "I'll wait . . . " I think the orchestration is actually what's confusing you. It plays the notes you're supposed to sing first, then you echo them.

The Concert: Whoa, do we need work! The good news is that, just as Mrs. Teri said, you guys have sung it better, so we just need to get that back again. Please review your assigned parts during the day on Tuesday, and we'll work on this song as soon as Act I gets started Tuesday night.

Reprise: So Long, Farewell: Nice! Nice!! Nice!!!

Finale Ultimo: You ladies are beginning to sound very united! Thank you so much!! As mentioned tonight, the "Ah's" are overpowering Mother Abbess in the beginning. Let's change them to "Ooo's" through measure 10. As soon as Mother Abbess sings "all the love you can give", change to "Ah's", but keep it at about mp. On the next "Ah's", make those about mf. At measure 17, when you switch to words, stay at about mf, but begin a slow increase in volume until the end.

Mother Abbess, really use those consonants to get the audience to understand you, even on the low notes. Excellent job sticking the ending!


Again, Cast, you guy ROCK!!! Hugs and kisses to you all!



Much love,



Debbie Wylie
Keyboard/Vocal Artist
Cell: 832/722-5111




PLEASE READ AND APPLY!!!

To all of the fabulous, amazing, wonderful cast members, please know how pleased with all of you I am and how fortunate I am to be working with you all. Thank you for your hard work and dedication day after day, week after week! You're all incredible!!

As you read through the following notes, they might sound familiar. Why? It seems the same comments keep getting posted. Ladies and gentlemen, we MUST fix these small challenges! Now is the time with only 1 week till opening. You've all come SO far. I know it's within your ability collectively and individually to clean up these last few troublesome areas. Thank you in advance. I love you all!

Preludium: We still need to work on staying together with the varying tempos. Blending still needs work. No single voice should be heard...total unity. That can only be achieved one way. Vowels! Vowels!! Vowels!!! Monday is drop-dead day. We must unite musically. If not, we'll have to cut some of the vocalists and learn a new blend with those who remain. Apologies, ladies, but it's down to the wire, and I will not sacrifice integrity. You're all extremely talented and very smart, so let's pull together and git 'er done!

Sound of Music: Maria, you're doing such an incredible job throughout the production!! The note here is that when you get to the section that starts with "so I pause . . .", you're behind the beat. Work to stay with the beat and listen carefully for the changing tempos throughout this piece.

Maria: Very nice, ladies!! We'll work on getting the timing down with the CD on that ending.....almost there.

My Favorite Things: Maria and Mother Abbess, some back-phrasing is ok, but stay with the beat more consistently. Great chemistry.....touching watching you two!

I Have Confidence: Maria, good job trying to sing while changing clothes! Spoken "wake up" needs to stay on the beat, even if it means speaking more words before or after those two. You're working so hard--thank you!

Do-Re-Mi/Encore: Both Brigittas, sing "anything" on the same pitches as they have just been sung in the song.

Gretl, Marta, Kurt, when it comes to the section where you guys hold out "Do", "Re", and so on, don't hold on to your note quite so long. The fast "Do-Mi-Mi" section must stay in rhythm. If one of you falls behind, the rest of the group must keep going on the beat, otherwise everyone gets thrown off.

Louisa, Friedrich, Liesl, on your "So - thread . . . La - So . . . Ti - bread" section, remember you have to sing both of those pitches.

Beautiful harmony on the end, Green cast! Blue cast.....almost....please review your ending pitches and let me know on Monday if you need help there. Both casts, you are so much fun, absolutely delightful to watch!

All Von Trapp Children except Liesls, if you normally have vibrato, please work very hard to remove it throughout all your songs. Vibrato makes you sound older than you're playing in this production.

16 Going on 17: Rolf, nice!! Remember the pitch change while holding "do" on "telling you what to do". Also, work on those high notes. Think of coming down lightly on the notes rather than reaching up to them.

Rolf and Liesl, better enunciation (mostly word endings) throughout. You guys are awesome!

Lonely Goatherd: You guys ROCK! Liesl, sing a little louder on your "tah, tah, tah" part. Well done!

How Can Love Survive?: Max, incredible sound! It's darkening and sounding more mature every day. Thank you!

Elsa, beautiful voice! As we discussed, those low pitches can only come from your chest voice. Please keep working that...you'll get it. Thank you! Remember to sing out!

Both, better enunciation, especially on low pitches. Sound the consonant quickly and clearly, then get to the vowel immediately, ending with a solid consonant where required. This is a percussive song, so use percussive consonants. Almost there!

Reprise: Sound of Music: Kurts and Friedrichs, sing melody throughout the song. Liesls, sing with Louisas/Brigittas if you can and still make it up to your "solo". Martas, your solo must stay on tempo without hesitation or slowing down.

All, "Ooo" under Captain's solo needs to be much softer yet still controlled.

So Long, Farewell: All children sing on "to you"!! Friedrich, Kurt, Brigitta, Louisa, listen carefully to stay on tempo during your solos. Kurts, your solo entrance is late.....enter just a bit sooner.

Morning Hymn: Ladies, review your notes. If you need me to work with you, let me know. Confidence on your assigned part, balance, and control will bring it all together.

Also, from this song until the Finale Ultimo, please stand next to your voice part so you can hear each other better. We'll have to do some placement on Monday with taller in back and shorter in front. No names.....you know who you are. :-)

Opening-Act II: All, need to memorize who sings which line and work on your entrances.

Vocal Incidental: Liesls, please remember to have the pitch pipe ready to sound an "E" pitch.

All Children, please review which note you sing and sing it with loud, pretty, confident tone.

Captain, please remember to wait for your 2-measure intro before beginning to sing "Do-Re-Mi".

Reprise: Sound of Music: Tempo/Pitches.....nail them both down.

Reprise: My Favorite Things: Liesls, you'll need to sound another "E" here before beginning to make sure you're on the right note once the music begins.

Maria, we're working on making sure you can hear the music for your entrance.

No Way to Stop It: Elsa, again, switch to chest voice for low notes.

Max, remember to sing melody (lower notes) with Captain on the ending.

Captain, those last few notes are small steps apart from each other.....small changes.

All, I love watching the interaction on this song. Superb!

An Ordinary Couple: Maria, if you need breath in order to finish "in the fading sun", trying breathing before "in the . . .". If you need to shorten those notes for it to work, so be it.

Captain, fabulous, fabulous harmony at end! Way to go!!!

Wedding Processional: Nuns who sing on the first "Gaudeamus" must be louder (but still with beautiful tone, not forced or strained) in order to make up for the 4 big voices we're missing there. Remember, there will be a series of 6 bells before you begin. For timing purposes, we may or may not need to repeat them. We'll figure that out on Monday.

2nd "Gaudeamus", we'll work Monday on timing, staging, etc. so Sister Sophia can be our "director" for this one. Remember, it's a visual/breathing cue, not a literal direction from her.

Notes from Saturday

Overall, I am very pleased with your progress and your diligence. Please don't let up!!! Review your lines, your choreography and your blocking, so you can be in character and not have to be "thinking" on stage.

PLEASE, THERE CAN BE NO MORE MISSED REHEARSALS. THIS HAS TO BE A PRIORITY.

Monday, please come at 6:30 to get microphones on and warm up vocally. We are going to start running the show with the party scene at the end of Act I and run through the end of Act II. We will begin at 7:15 pm SHARP with costumes. Rehearsal will go until 10:00 pm.

Tuesday, Arrive at 6:30 for microphones and warmups. We will pick up at the top of Act I, at 7:15 pm SHARP with costumes. Rehearsal will go late on Tuesday.

Wednesday, We will RUN the SHOW with the blue cast - no stops unless there is a total train wreck. Stay in character, run it like a show, with no one in the audience other than the green cast von Trapps, who will sit with me. Do not direct each other on stage, or stop and think, or stop to ask me a question from the stage. Call time is 6:30. We will do mic checks and run a couple songs and get started at the top of act I at 7:15. We will run until finished.

Thursday, NO REHEARSAL - Spend the day in a spirit of thankfulness.

Friday, OPENING NIGHT - call is 6:00. We will do warm-ups and run a couple numbers before the show. We have a cast circle at 7:15 just before we open the house. Circle is for everyone, and is designed to be an encouragement, help settle nerves, and help energize the cast. It concludes in a brief prayer. The house opens at 7:30, and at 7:45 we offer a voluntary prayer circle backstage for those who want to participate. Curtain is at 8:00

Saturday at 10:00 am, rehearsal for Green cast. Called: anyone who is ever on stage at the same time as the children.

Saturday evening: OPENING NIGHT for Green cast. Call is at 6:00 pm. If you live a long way away and need a place to hang between rehearsal and the show, please let me know.

Sunday afternoon: CALL: 1:30. SHOW: 3:00



NOTES from Saturday's rehearsal:
At top of show, grand opens on third solo.

SET: need a black curtain in the house right doorway.
Nuns/novices/postulants will carry votive candles and put on table center stage where stairs meet UL platform.

Nuns will need a very natural unmadeup look. Mascara is ok, but no heavy liner, and no dark lipstick.

Closer formation for morning hymn; spread out for Alleluia. Need a much more worshipful and praiseful expression. You may not understand Latin, but these nuns did! Much more jubilant on the Alleluia.

Nuns/novices/postulants: Exit through the closest exit as you all spread out to look for Maria!

Mother Abess: Sister Margaretta, not Sister Margarette.

Need to work timing on Maria at the end of the song.

Mother Abbess: You’re right. It IS that kind of song!

Scene 4:
SET: Shorter dressing room screen,

Maria come out when in dress. You can put your coat on after you’re visible.
I have confidence: There were at least two times when putting guitar and bag down and picking them up again didn’t make sense. You could pick them up move somewhere and put them down, then pick them up, cross the stage and put them down again. But up and down in the same place looks funny.

Scene 5:
SOUND: Need a phone ring at end of the scene change cue to give motivation for Frau Schmidt to leave the room (pg 20)
Another item on the table for Franz (he could sort through the mail, take one addressed to him)

Franz: Entrances and holds need to be more authoritative. Please take one more step onto the stage so you’re not hidden at al.

Green cast kids w/ blue cast Kurt: WOW! EXCELLENT job coming down the stairs at the top of the show!

Blue cast kids w/ green cast Kurt: I’m afraid you let the other cast beat you on this one. The marching was way off for several of you, coming to the stairs, coming down the stairs and marching to the line. Kurt – need to really work on this one.

Green cast Kurt: you don’t know your name? Each child steps forward and says his/her name. You stepped forward and forgot what to say.

Kurt: Make sure you step in quickly to say, “No Louisia, don’t. I like her”
Marta and Louisa, remember to giggle at the thought of Friedrich being a man.

Kids: In do-re-mi, Maria points on fa, the kids all point on long.

Scene 6:
Liesl cross all the way to stage left so he has to follow you to DL
Need Rolf’s hat for this scene.

Rolf and Liesl, work on spin to knee

Scene 7:
Frau Schmidt: Don’t cross on “want to see their father”

Frau Schmidt: Sitting on the bed looks unnatural, because you’re standing up again right away. Stand up just a little later than you did, like a sentence later. Stand up on “It will work out”

Frau Schmidt: You will not be bringing on the bed. This makes more sense for your entrance, and asking permission to enter.

SET: Need to cinch strap the mattresses to the bed frame and construct a headboard that’s not too heavy

Kurt and Friedrich, don’t just sit on the end of the bed. Come stand or kneel on the floor on both sides of the bed.

Scene 9:
Cast: Max’s last name is Pronounced Detvieler (with a V)- I should have caught this earlier - sorry

Captain: Enter left of Elsa, not between them, How can love survive

Elsa, wig is pretty, but we need to get it to have much less sheen

Marilyn – you really need to project.

Max, look is good. With the mustache, we won’t need any age makeup other than some laugh lines around the eyes.

Captain: We’ll take a look at some makeup on Monday.

Elsa needs jewelry

Captain and Elsa: in the close dancing, predetermine which feet will move when so you glide together.

Maria, a bit more of a takeaway when you say “even when you don’t want her to”

Captain: nice inflection on the word “uniforms” when telling the kids to change

Captain: keep what you did with the whistle, holding it until you decided to put it away.

Party:
SOUND: We need a stage monitor for upstage

COSTUMES: At the party, Liesl looked like she was in the dress for the wedding.

Captain: Cut off Herr Z and Baron with “much more pleasant”

Frau Schmidt: Remember to stand up straight when delivering line from top of the stairs. You don’t have to bend down and look at him. Just stand up and in a military fashion make your announcement

Franz and Ursula need to be more visible during party, circulating with glasses, but also with food. Even some easy little canapé sandwiches.

Frau Schmidt: Need to get Gretl and Marta off stage before the end of the Lendler.
Kurt, break the awkward silence after Maria goes upstairs by saying “I hope you’re feeling better” to Frau Schraeder. Do this in a way that sounds like you’re trying to change the subject.

Brigitta, you have to go off upstage left after telling father that Max is here. That way you can return and tell Frau Schraeder that they’re talking about her.

Brigitta – a little more natural in your conversation with telling Maria about what you’ve noticed with her and Captain, being in love and all. With both Brigitta’s, it’s starting to look a little forced and over-acted.

Brigitta – I love the exchange of looks with you and Maria after Captain talks about her dress– the “I told you so” smirk was great!

Liesl – Lauren missed an entrance. I wondered if the line cueing her was dropped…

Max – not sure about the cape. You look like Harry Potter.

Gretl – CJ, you need to bend over more on the cuckoo lines.

All Kids – need more energy in your so long farewell movements, and more crispness in the counts and assembly line.

Maria – You’re doing a fabulous job with your scene leaving the von Trapps.

Act II, Scene 1:
Novices use hymnals during the choir scene. Group a little more stage right so you can be in the light.

Act II, Scene 2:
Everyone, start playing as soon as curtain even starts opening. It should look like the curtain is opening on a scene that’s already going on. DON’T just stand there waiting for Max to start singing.

Green cast went the wrong way to go find father. You need to go upstage and then left.

“Somersault” looked great.

Max: in the choreography where captain has hand on your shoulder, and Elsa has hand on his, and you are in front, don’t hold your hand up like a “heil”
Captain, look a little startled at Elsa’s line “I’m going to miss them.”

WEDDING:
one of the postulants crossing the stage will have a basket with all the kids’ bouquets

Nuns exit after putting on the Mother Abess cape. Platform turns when Maria is set on platform.

WE ARE GOING TO TRY THIS: Sophia needs to be the first one to exit the bride’s room, and she needs to be able to get up the stairs. Maria would exit the room next, and then the other nuns. Nuns will precede the wedding party, and let the wedding party pass in front of them. If this takes too long, I’ll have to work out something else.

Kids, come down the stairs in this order: Gretl in front, then Marta and Brigitta, Kurt and Louisa, Friedrich and Liesl. Step down the exact same way you did in the opening scene, but not in a march.

FESTIVAL:
Max will bring on the microphone from SR to center and cross left
Two Nazi’s on the balcony will move draperies, position Nazi flag and position themselves in doorways

Captain, add “Please join me in a love song” and then let the audience’s singing help move you to tears.

Max, strike the microphone after the scene.

We need to have a nun strike the nazi flag in the transition and exit again stage left.

CHURCH PRAYER GARDEN/GRAVE YARD
We have one cross-shaped monument that goes just down right of the arch. One tombstone goes on the platform up left, and one in the corner where the family hides. Hoping to attach a metal gate to the archway that would open to be behind the cross monument.

One actor will need to operate the fog machine.

bios

I have not received bios from the following cast members. If they are not sent today they will not be in the program.

Meredith
Hannah
True

Music Notes from Thursday, 11/17

Note from Miss Debbie:

Overall, I felt like rehearsal went fairly well. It was very encouraging to see how well everyone did tonight. That being said, I recognize that there is still much work to be done. Along those lines, I have quite a few notes to pass along to the cast members. Song by song, here they go.


Preludium: "Donec ponam . . . " - Shallow sound, pitch not matching. Ladies, you MUST ALL USE TALL VOWELS!!

"De torrente . . . " - Couldn't be understood at all, mostly due to not being together. Watch each other carefully...and listen.

Morning Hymn - Move, move, move the beginnings of phrases! Mother Abbess, that will have to come from you. But, you must also stay together; otherwise, it turns into a train wreck. Also, you must listen and balance your sound. Sister Sophia, sing a little louder on that final, high note.

Alleluia - Nice job in general. Tempo could be just a little faster. Remember to accent the first beat of each measure slightly more than the other two beats.

Maria: Ahhhhhh!! Excellent! The CD rushed you guys at the end. Don't worry about it. Take your time (within reason) with those luscious chords, and we'll stop the CD, then restart when you're holding your last chord.

My Favorite Things: Mother Abbess, try to keep this light and fun with a lilting, dancing feeling. Watch your first few pitches. You've been missing them only recently. Just settle in and have fun with your "childhood song". It's fun to watch the two of you!

I Have Confidence: Maria, your breathing is getting better. Keep doing those strengthening exercises. As you move into the key change, you have a couple of measure to take a big, cleansing, relaxing breath to help you attack the final part of the song. Good job!

Do-Re-Mi: Maria, when you sing "oh, oh, oh" that first time, try to accent and separate each of those a little.

Do-Re-Mi Encore: Brigittas, when you sing alone back to Maria "anything", use the same Do-Re-Mi pitch we hear throughout the rest of the song.

All Children: When you get to the section where each of you holds out "Do", "Re", "Mi", and so on, please listen carefully to be sure you get and keep the correct pitch. Also, review your harmony notes at the end. Overall, very good job!

Sixteen Going on Seventeen: Rolf, watch the sliding up/down to pitches in the beginning. Listen carefully to stay on tempo in that first section of the song. Also, when you sing "wait a year or two", keep it light, not heavy on your voice. That will help you nail those higher pitches. Very good work considering how little we've actually worked together on this piece....impressive.

Liesl: Project more on lower pitches. Those low notes were getting lost in the orchestration. Well done, kiddo.

The Lonely Goatherd: Maria/Liesl, excellent duet!! Children, you're wonderful!

How Can Love Survive?: Marilyn, whenever you speak-sing, pitch your voice up rather than down. Nice coverage when you realized Max wasn't going to sing his "capital gains" line. Good job, you two.

Reprise: Sound of Music: Much better staying on tempo, although the longer you sang, the slower you were trying to sing it. Keep listening to the orchestration and stay on tempo. Keep working those notes and harmonies....we're getting there!

Soloists, enter without hesitation or slowing the tempo down. It MUST keep moving so you can stay with the orchestration.

Captain, watch your pitch as you come in. Once you've sung the first couple of phrases, you're good. Listen to the orchestration there. If I'm not terribly mistaken, it actually plays your notes. On the end, the tempo doesn't slow quite as much as you think.....just listen carefully. Really good keeping it moving, otherwise.

So Long, Farewell: All Children, sing on "to you" in the beginning.
Marta, correct entrance on your solo. Just be confident.....you've got this!
Gretl, slow your solo down just a little bit. You rock!

Morning Hymn: Nice work overall, ladies! Sop I, a little louder throughout; Sop II, a little softer throughout. Listen carefully for balance. I'll say again, ladies, TALL VOWELS!!! They're way too pop-sounding at times. You know I love you!

Climb Ev'ry Mountain: Mother Abbess, "mountain" is always pronounced "mawn-tehn". When you sing it in your lower register, the pronunciation sometimes gets warped somewhat. Don't breathe before the first "dream"; breathe before "your" that time. Second time is fine. I know you're trying to get as much air as possible for that final high note. You're awesome!

As I said, all in all, tonight was very pleasing. We'll keep working together as we have been already. We're SO close, gang! I'm very, very proud of how far we've come.....don't let up on the excellent work now! YOU'RE ALL WONDERFUL!!!

Please read

Wednesday afternoon, Nov 16: Set painting and construction from 2pm until done. We are also available to run lines or answer questions regarding blocking.

Thursday, Nov 17: Run Act I on stage - All Cast
Off book, please! No lines will be given on Thursday.

Saturday, Nov 19 Rehearsal 9am - 4pm
9-12 Run show with Green Cast.
12-1 Lunch
1-4 Run show with Blue Cast. (If you have a Saturday afternoon rehearsal for a children's show, please let me know, and I will have you come Saturday morning.)

NOTE: It was pointed out to me that we really need an extra rehearsal on Saturday of Thanksgiving weekend for the Green Cast, or they won't be adequately prepared for their show Saturday evening. This is the day after opening night. We will not run the entire show, but we will run every scene that has anything to do with the children. I am calling Captain and Maria, Green Cast of Von Trapp children, Max, Sister Margaretta, Franz, and Frau Schmidt. Dancers are optional, but it's an opportunity for some extra practice. I will not call the rest of the nuns/postulants/novices that morning. Right now I'm looking at a 10:00 am rehearsal, but I will talk with everyone on Thursday evening.

Music Notes from Thursday

Debbie was able to give several music notes out personally, so we won't repeat those.

Max and Elsa please review lyrics in How Can Love Survive

Blue Cast von Trapp Children:

Sound of Music Reprise: Work on your pitches for the middle and low voices. Also, the tempo is faster than you think. Don't let it drag.

So Long, Farewell: Listen carefully to stay on tempo
Make "...to you.." louder, but pretty.
Words are getting jumbled up - please review before Saturday, when does line end with goodbye, when adieu, etc.

Marta solo - sing faster, with music.
Kurt solo - enter sooner, sing faster, with music
Gretl solo - slow down, stay with the music. It's slower for your part

Green Cast von Trapp Children:

Lonely Goatherd: Friedrich, careful of pitches on yodel.
Maria/Liesl duet, careful of pitches Sing them slower to nail them down, then gradually speed up.

Sound of Music Reprise: Pitches - low voices please work on pitches. Also, for everyone, tempo is faster than you think.

So Long, Farewell: Listen carefully to stay on tempo
Make "...to you." louder, but still pretty.
Everyone, please review the words.
Friedrich - stay on tempo with music
Liesl - enter sooner, stay on tempo. Wait a little longer on your spoken "yes?"
All children - slow down last sung line.

Thursday, 11/10

More costumes for the children are in, and we need the kids to please come in as close to 6:15 as possible Thursday evening.

Parents and male cast members: WE NEED HELP with set construction. Please consider this a family affair. We have a BEAUTIFUL show, and now we need the frame to put it in. We need to be able to get the set finished this week. We are generally building all day and all evening, every spare moment. We need to be able to paint next week.

Thursday, 11/10 7:00 - 9:30
SCENE WORK - Act I, Sc 7 - 11 Maria, Captain, von Trapp Children, Max, Elsa, Franz, Ursula, Frau Schmidt, Herr Zeller, Baron Elberfeld, Baronness Elberfeld, dancing couples, Rolf

SET CONSTRUCTION - 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm, 7pm - 10pm (or call 832-630-2180 to see if we're building at other times. Friday, we'll be working all day during the day. Saturday, we'll need to be running scenes on the stage, but there will still be some platforms that we'll need to construct that can be done in the adjacent workspace.

A few notes:

SURPRISE!! A few of you were surprised today to find that you aren't as confident with your lines/blocking/choreography as you thought you were! Some of you have actually digressed in scenes that you previously had secure. This is not uncommon at all, but it is a warning. You must run EVERY LINE, EVERY DAY. Have someone check your lines with you... EVERY DAY. Generally, I have been very please by the work ethic and professionalism of this cast. Every rehearsal, I am convinced the show is beautifully cast and that, once again, God brought us exactly who we needed. You are talented, nice to each other, and hard working. Please don't let up now.

Kids, please WRITE DOWN your blocking and choreography. It is extremely discouraging to have to tell a few of you the same things every time we get to a particular scene. Parents, please check your children's scripts and make sure they have blocking and choreography notes. If not, chances are your child is one who is having difficulty retaining this information.

LOOKING AHEAD: We WILL have rehearsal from 9:00 am - noon and from 1pm - 4pm on Saturday, November 19. I had asked you to hold that date open. We will run the show in the morning, then change children and run the show in the afternoon. Please let me know immediately if it is IMPOSSIBLE for your child to be there that afternoon

ALSO: We WILL be having rehearsal on Wednesday, November 23 before we open.
We WILL NOT be having rehearsal on Thursday, November 24, Thanksgiving.

I encourage the children to take daytime classes Thanksgiving week that don't require extensive memorization of lines. Some of you are already trying to do two concurrent shows, and I would discourage you from taking on an additional line load at this time just before your show opens.

Bios are past due

I have not heard from the following cast members. Please email ASAP.

J
David B.
Bob
Matt
Hannes
Jessica
True
Hannah
Meredith
Debbie

Music Rehearsals

I REALLY appreciate how hard all of you are working on your music! We had a good rehearsal tonight.

KIDS: We will be running "Sound of Music reprise" at the beginning of every rehearsal from now on, so that it's easy for you. Since Brigitta has a lot of lines, Miss Debbie and I decided that the Marta's will do the first part of the solo, and the Louisa's will have the second part of the solo.

Some of you had some "oh, yeah!" moments during choreography today, especially during the Goatherd song. Please go back over your choreography notes. If you can't remember, ask someone BEFORE the next rehearsal.

Please continue to listen to all the songs on your CD - and do your choreography at home!

NUNS: The following solos have been decided in the opening number:
Solo #1 - Amy Buchanan (Meredith will do the solo the one show you miss)
Solo #2 - Lauren Slater
Solo #3 - Carolyn Venable

It is CRITICAL that you continue to review your Latin pronunciations! Please - this is important, and the von Trapps were not living in Texas!

During the wedding processional, I will see if we have time to get Mother Abbess and the other lead nuns up to the platform before the Gaudeamus begins. If not, you will still be singing as you climb the stairs.

CAPTAIN AND MARIA: You make me smile!

EVERYONE: I cannot WAIT until our audiences hear this music and see all of you on stage! We are at a good place right now, but this is not time to let up, so keep listening to your CDs.

As always, two things I expect:
1) Do your job
2) Be a pleasure to be around