Turkey Point Tech Week Jamboree

Aw, baby, baby, BABY! It's tech week ya'll! Just finished an amazing tech weekend. New Line shocks me again with their incredibly FAST tech days. The tension may be high, but I still always have a great time. To me, though, it's just a weekend of constant excitement. It's adding all the sugary icing on the cake!

The set is MY kind of happening- lots of colors! My shoes actually match ;) Lights were added this weekend and they really make the colors pop! It's fantastic. Baltimore never looked so cheery. And the band...in the words of Ari/Dupree, "AWW YEAH, OOH WEE", the band! Nothing makes the musical really come alive until the band is in the mix. Guys. Guys. GUYS. It sounds amazing. I got all Giggles McGee during the beginning of "I'm Infected" as Taylor belted beautifully and the band grooved. It gives me a big old SMILE just thinking about it.

I know I've mentioned this previously...I'm not just saying this because I'm biased...but this show is damn funny. I'd have to blame most of my character breaking on Mike Dowdy(our villainous Square, Baldwin). Holy crap. Not only is he ridiculously hilarious in person, it's even more so on stage. From his delivery to his expression, I just can't keep it together. I've been in tears at times. Zak Farmer is the most offensive culprit of breaking actors on stage. Our Allison, Taylor, told me tales of when she was on stage for Evita and as she faced the ensemble, and as they faced her upstage, Zak would do everything in his weasley power to crack her. During EVITA for Pete's sake, haha. I love it, though. I love all the hilarious elements that this cast brings. It's kind of great trying NOT to laugh a lot.

During lights on Saturday, I was sitting out in the house watching when I wasn't on stage. One of my FAVORITE segments to watch is "A Little Upset" followed by what we call "The Chase". This all takes place in the jail after all the Drapes have been arrested under false accusations. Cry Baby sings about how he's tired of holding back his emotions and just lets friggin loose. It's a pretty cathartic song, in my opinion. Robin, our choreographer crafted some amazing choreography. I adore watching the boys dance this number. It's gritty and powerful and makes you want to dance, too. I've often found that it's hard to find a solid ensemble of guys in theatre (I'm not saying this always happens. It's just something that happens when the majority of people who audition are female.) I can say- hands down- this cast has the strongest male ensemble I've ever been a part of. Each of them are fantastic singers and they each bring their own element to the stage. They really put their all into this dance- it is EXHAUSTING as hell- and it totally pays off.

We are in the throes of "hell week" bu- you know what? It's not "hell week". It's officially renamed "Kickin Ass and Taking Names" week because I said so and that's how I feel. We all may be tired and cranky, and maybe even a little sick this week but this is what it all comes down to. Gotta put on your nbig kid undies and DO THE THING. The one thing I'm most anxious for is audience (naturally- that's why we DO this). I think people will absolutely LOVE it and I'm curious to see the reactions. I can't wait to put all these pieces together.

"AWWW YEAH! OOOOH WEE!", darlings!

For the cast: Things to keep in mind this week-

SCOTT: HAPPY BIRTHDAY, YOU CRAZY, BRILLIANT BASTARD!

Tay-tay: You rock Allison like a hurricane. Keep giving me chills.
Ry-Scott: You are CB. Trust yourself. You sound and look amazing up there.
Dowdy: I literally hurt from laughing when I watch you.
Hatchet: You are one crusty ugly-beautiful awesome bitch.
Wanda: Try not to pee your pants this week. I might pee mine.
Ari: Your runs make me swoon! Luhv you, boo.
Zak: I actually have something genuine to say...your voice is amazing and you are hilarious. Now, screw off.
Cindy: Thanks for the onstage making out advice, wise one.
Terrie: I think we are kindred crazies and I totally love that. 
Devon: I love your snuggles. I would be tossed offstage by no one else.
Chris: ...you constantly surprise me.
Evan: Are you done being sick so I can put my tongue in your mouth?
Jen: You are adorable and awesome and I love talking to you back stage.
Alex: I love watching you. You are constantly animated and engaged with what's happening. Plus. You have great shoes.

You are all amazing, talented, awesome people.