Bootscootin' Bitches

Well hello, theatre world. We meet again.

I opted out of doing a blog for RENT because I literally had 0 time to even sit to think. Double dipping with costumes and performing for RENT was a much larger monster than I think Sarah (Porter who played Maureen)and I had anticipated. In the end, everyone looked god damn fabulous and even though we had to take liberties with certain style choices and artistic desires because of budget, I still am very proud with our result. With the help of Mootus the cat, fried chicken, champagne, digging through our own closets, and 50s pop music...we pulled it off.

So, here we are again, except this time...we are far from the ghetto of poor artists and drag queens in New York into the redneck country of Texas. GOOD GOD. 

Not going to lie: I have never...ever...EVER been a fan of country music. The twang with the God/'Murica talk and the vocal scoops just always turned me off. Not my "thing", ya know? So, when I heard about HANDS ON A HARDBODY, I was skeptical and it took a few listens for some of the songs to grow on me. But, as I've been rehearsing it's becoming less about the twang and more about the beautiful arrangements and stories behind it all. And there isn't just "country" style music. There is some funk and gospel as well! I mean, a musical based off of a radio station truck competition from a small town in Texas in the 90s? That's obscure as balls.

When I watched the documentary, though slow at times, these people were so charming in their own ways. The one thing they had in common was how dead serious they all were about this competition. I mean, if you think about it, you'd have to be serious to stay up for days on end without leaning or sleeping in Texas heat next to a bunch of strangers. But, it wasn't just about the truck for any of them. It was about making a better life for themselves. They were either out of work, or didn't have a car, or their car broke down, or needed it to pay bills. All of them had a legitimate excuse for their drive to win.

Some of these songs really are very gorgeous. The harmonies are pretty powerful. With a few exceptions, Scott tells us that the chorus in the background always has to be strong. Each of the songs tells a character's story and each of them is profound.

 

I mean, LISTEN to that! :) (Anna Skidis who plays Norma, of course KILLS it.)

COSTUMES...let me tell you...after the madness that was RENT, Sarah and I breathed a sigh of relief when we figured out what we needed for this show. Tennis shoes, denim, and lots of cowboy hats. It's like a costumer vacation! But I will tell you this...NO one will look glamorous. Muah haha.

Cardboard hats = REAL LOVE.

 

 One of the strangest parts about the whole show, however, is the fact that when we aren't on a scheduled "break" in the competition, we MUST keep our hands on the truck. We also can't lean on or squat next to the truck. If we don't follow the rules, the effect just won't be there. In the original production, the actors took their songs away or next to the truck essentially making it like a dreamy "soliloquy". But, in typical Scott Miller fashion, he's going for natural...which means...we are sticking to that damn truck whether we like it or not. This...shall be interesting.

UM. You're both out.

I am not a religious person. I don't believe in a "God" that guides us and gives us what we need when we pray to him or her, but I do believe in spirit. I believe in the spirit of people who try to constantly move forward, create, love and strive to be a better part of this world. And though it may seem silly, you can see some of the most profound spirits in the strangest of places...like a truck contest.

Ciao, ya'll.

Marcy