We just got back into the hotel (2:46am EDT) after a long day in the theatre. We worked with a community concert association here that isn’t as used to working with productions like ours. They mostly deal with concerts – classical music. We were a very different offering for them but the community responded well. We heard several people say this was the largest crowd they had ever had for an event.
The stage was very small and the local theatre group had just closed The Sound of Music. The entire stage right wing was filled with the set. The stage left wing was very small and lead down to the dressing rooms. Once the crew arrived, we took almost the first hour getting everything cleared so there would be room for our cases. The stage was very clear and, generally for a musical act, that would be fine. For our show, however, we needed every square inch of space available.
We had to modify the production a bit and eliminated the intermission. With the selection of illusions and effects, it worked best if we could just go straight through, let the momentum build toward the finale.
After everything was loaded in and one backdrop in place, we released all of the crew except two guys – Brandon and Jonathan. They stayed and help me with the lighting. Between the five of us – Kylie, Brandon, Jonathan, Dan and myself – we were able to pull it all together. Dan was a guy who showed up at the request of the Concert Association because he knew more about the lighting situation. He got us patched and I knew how to program their NSI light board. We were set. The guys helped me with the ladder to focus and gel the lights that we had. When we were finished, it looked pretty darn good. I was pleased.
The show went very well. The audience laughed and applauded in all the right places. Volunteers were great fun and, as always, gave the show that spontaneous feel that I love. Comments in the lobby afterwards were very position and complimentary.
Load out went very fast and we headed for Denny’s! Finally back at the hotel and we’re ready for bed. Tomorrow, it’s off to Utah!