Topping and Tailing

This evening's rehearsal began with a serious buzz, partly because we were a little late starting.  The stage area was defined, the cast gathered, an invitation was issued from Martin for principals not needed to grab him in the staff room (apparently to rehearse their solo songs) and the time finally has come to start setting the finale.  Groups are summoned - salvation army band, bobby soxers are placed. Then it's back to Runyonland characters to be placed, since so many people multitask. Hotbox girls have a special place next, then Ali starts to place individual people.

We're now going to learn the dance routine to the words of the finale song, which Ali is certain we have sung before.  First the right arm is out, then the left arm raised and lowered - I hope someone is taking better notes than this! There's turning and bending of knees and all sorts, in unison. En masse. In some ways, if everyone's doing the same thing, it's easier, because chances are each bit will be remembered by *someone* - the difficulty is working out who has correctly remembered which bit.  We go through the first verse a couple of times and Ali is quite pleased with it so far. Then the second half of the song, and some of the actions parallel the words, so that should make it simpler for the recall process.  We get to the end of that section successfully too, and now Ali tells the main body of the cast to rehearse those steps quietly while she goes through the routine she has in mind for some Salvationists.  There is plenty of rehearsing but unfortunately everyone is on the same bit and therefore singing the same bit which distracts Ali from the bit she's trying to show her group. Complicated stuff.  However, undaunted, Ali completes that bit and then talks to the hotbox girls. Now it's back to the top for everyone, so that Ali can see if any of it needs to be refined.

The piano joins in and we sing it through, complete with steps. Most of the refinement Ali needs to apply is a reminder on exactly how to do certain steps.  Then it's through a couple more times as Ali checks the way the different routines are fitting together.

Meanwhile, I go in search of Gillian, our costume lady, with her cup of tea.  I locate her in a classroom, surrounded by assorted colourful costumes, some for Havana, some for New York. Gillian's background is in design and fashion, whereas Victor's background is in tailoring, so together they make an excellent team - Gillian picks out appropriate items from her stock and Victor alters them to fit. She is 'borrowing' individuals on and off throughout the evening for fittings.

Back to the hall. Before we forget, we practise Runyonland again, topping and tailing the show in one evening.  It works well, leading straight into the Tinhorn Fugue (which as you all know is probably my favourite song. I may have mentioned this before).

Hotbox girls are now called for costume fittings, and the chaps sing through the oldest established, again without having to pause for correction. Then it's straight to Havana, which fouls the plans of a few people who had thought they might have time for a cup of tea. Unfortunately this results in a very hot cup of tea being spilled over someone so the tables in Havana are not as full as previously while basic first aid is administered in the ladies.  The waiter is looking good, however, brandishing a cymbal as his tray, but without attempting to balance drinks on it. (Probably just as well given the record this evening with drinks.) Ali takes a moment to talk through the particulars with a couple of the cast and then we go through it again.  This time we include the dialogue between Sister Sarah and Sky, interposed with dancers.

The ladies are about to be dismissed until Ali suddenly remembers that we haven't done Sit Down yet this week, so the invitation to go is hastily withdrawn and the chairs are set out for the next song.  Most of the moves from last week have been remembered although some of the swaying is a little ragged.  But at least Luke is able to stand at the front and remind people when the various moves happen. Ali tells us that we need to learn the moves, however, so she goes through the different waves and stands again. Apparently Luke won't always be there!

Having spelled out the moves so clearly, Ali optimistically starts the song from the beginning again.  It mostly works so the ladies are released - joy!

Back to the oldest established. Ali would like to rehearse with the chaps next Tuesday so please check your diaries. The numbers have changed since the last proper rehearsal so there is some deliberation about the on-stage groupings but Ali makes a decision and they proceed. The dance routine doesn't work properly since it hasn't been rehearsed enough unfortunately so Ali simplifies it.  Walking will still happen and hats will still be raised, however.  Back to the beginning and after a brief discussion about the cue that needs to be given, they start with the recitative section. Ali wonders if the new move is too frantic but the verdict seems to be that it's okay.

Now it's on to the gambling circles and there are a couple of changes for people to be aware of. Also, Ali would like the gamblers to find out on the Internet how to play craps. I really hope they don't just google 'crap' because that may not give them the answer they need.

Most of the chaps are now dismissed but Ali keeps a few to rehearse dance steps. It would be so much easier if they could make the rehearsal on Tuesday, which will be in a proper studio with mirrors and everything!  There's a certain amount of punching going on, rehearsed to a count at the moment. Music will be added at a later date....  Meeting in the foyer of the sports centre on Tuesday, rather a different use for it.