Today is show day at the Capitol Theatre in the Overture Center for the Arts. Â This is a beautifully restored 1920’s theatre nestled inside a very modern building. Â It’s quite a paradox to move through the hallways of the Overture Center and through the doors of the Capitol – just stunning!
The Overture Center has 7 different performing spaces. Â The Capitol Theatre is 1,000 seats and is the second largest theatre in the complex. Â Overture Hall has about 2200 seats and a Broadway show was playing in that venue.
We started load in as soon as they loaded out the morning performance – about 1pm. Â The local crew had been going full speed for the last few days but, in spite of it all, they were ready to get to work. Â We loaded through the dock and onto the orchestra pit lift. Â From there, the cases were raised to stage level where Cindy and the guys put it all in place.
Once on the stage, it was time to get to work! Â Scenery and moving lights went up first. Â Keith patched the light board while Cindy and Ethan worked on props and backstage things. Â I was busy with the crew on the lighting.
The day was very steady. Â With a slightly later than normal load in, we had to make up for some lost time. This technical crew was so helpful, willing to do what needed to be done, and worked hard with us to get the show up. Â All of them were awesome – and no one complained when I needed to make a few changes here and there.
We managed to get set, grab a quick bite to eat, and then hit the stage for a fast tech rehearsal before opening the doors for the crowd. Â The show was sold out – and that always adds a sense of excitement for us and the crew.
The audience was fantastic! Â There’s nothing quite like performing to a full house of enthusiastic people. Madison did not let us down! Â And once the show was over, the crew was right there to help load us out.
Steve Chezady – a friend of ours from Chicago – drove up for the show with a friend of his (Val). Â After the show and loading out the equipment, we all decided to walk up State Street to find some food. Â We ended up at a pizza place with some great, fresh pizza.
We managed to make it to bed by 2am – but just barely. Â Our MADISON EXPERIENCE was a positive one for sure. Â We met lots of wonderful people, worked with a great staff and crew at the Overture Center, and had some memorable experiences at the hospital and working with therapists. Â This was a perfect four days!