Human Again

Working the choreography for Be Our Guest proves challenging when so many cast members are out sick. This always seems to be the problem with calling for rehearsals and only some of the cast shows up. The real challenge is the short rehearsal schedule. We can't go back to teach those who missed the choreography creating more demand on those who are there to KNOW what they are doing.

Some of the cast members are also dancers, which helps. The steps are simple enough but learning to sequence them, let alone remember the sequence often confuses the novices. We have a great team, though, and they work patiently with the novice dancers. Those who are involved in dance as well, also "step up" and lend needed support to their fellow cast members.

Hopefully we can get over this sick stretch and make the most of the rehearsal time we have left. Only three weeks to show! The cast will be surprised on Monday when they see what we have in store for them!

Cupcakes, Napkins, Sporks - oh my!

Working our volunteers hard on measuring and designing cupcakes, napkins and utensils for the big chorus number Be Our Guest! WIth our Lumiere shining a spotlight on the enchanted characters in the castle we are looking to find interesting costumes. The cupcakes are quite adorable with berets of whipped cream and the magic carpets look adorable waving golden tassels. Our own Dr. Hoolala is madly whipping up a cup of tea for Chip and a place for the fancy bloomers of the Wardrobe. Tick Tock, Cogsworth will butle his way onto the stage as the enchanted butler. And all for the love of a rose.

Tickets go on sale soon. Great Valentine Gift! Check the web site on February 9th. Order early!

Tea With Tights

Stage Door Productions Team took the stage this weekend at Tea With Tights, an annual fundraiser for the All That! Dance Team. We were invited to be a part of the cabaret style show served up to audience members along with a full tea service. There were 23 dance numbers with dancers ranging in age from itty bitty 3 to 5 year olds to teens and every age between.

Stage Door performed You Can't Stop The Beat! one of the 5 numbers from their latest stage production. They have performed at Festival of The Trees at the Valley River Inn and will be performing at The Studio in the Hult Performing Arts Plaza in a Youth Performing Artists Celebration on April 5th. Next stop is a performance for a local school, River Road School, winner of the Dance With The Stars competition last October.

Great group of performers! Our youngest member was a shining definition of the show must go on. She performed on Saturday despite being sick for the past few days and feeling feverish at the show. She was rewarded with a few cookies and hugs all around (with the exception of her older brother) from her team mates. Bravo to one and all!

Call to Musicians

Looking for something to do on a cold winter night? Warm up with the orchestra at Upstart Crow Studios. We are looking for a French Horn, Cello, Stand-up Bass and Keyboard player. Rehearsals at the Studios for Disney's Beauty And The Beast. Performances are March 12 - 15th at Upstart Crow and Wildish Theatre. You even get a t-shirt! Call Upstart Crow 688-8260 for rehearsal days, music and information.

This Provincial Town

Rehearsals for Disney's Beauty and the Beast have begun and what a great cast it is! This production will be double cast which means a bit of split personalities and chaos but everyone seems enthusiastic and up to the challenge. Today I spent the day rummaging through North Eugene High School's costume and prop department in the hopes of finding something from their 2005 production of B&B. Found Chip's tea cart, Mrs. Potts' skirt and the terrifying Beast's head. Looking for a hoop skirt to attach Mrs. Potts' skirt and fancy butler type suit for Cogsworth.

It is so fun to go on the hunt for costumes!

Scrooge changes his tune

Outstanding performance by a lively bunch of thespians! Played to a full house both nights to rave reviews. Many of these players had to be multiple characters. A challenge for both player and costumer. But the sets and costumes did the cast proud and I do believe the Christmas Ghosts finally helped Scrooge to change his tune from Bah Humbug to a Merry Christmas for all!

We move ahead to next week's audition schedule. Yes, no rest for the weary. Our next undertaking is Disney's Beauty and The Beast. A tale of romance and intrigue, filled with music and dance, this Broadway musical is filled with the Disney magic. Don't miss the audition date on Wednesday, December 17th from 6:30 to 9:00 pm. Everyone who auditions is guaranteed a part and no experience is necessary.

Ready to rumble

Ghosts are flying about and little Scroogians are getting decked out for this week's show. Dress and tech rehearsals all week, which can be grueling. Funny how things seem to go so wrong in rehearsal and somehow work out in show. Murphy's law, I suppose.

Speaking of which, Kudos to Forrest Wilcox for a great Murphy bed for Scrooge. And Alex has created a haunting masterpiece with sets. Stage Door Production team members are stepping in and helping backstage. What a great learning experience - working both sides of the stage!

Tickets on sale now.