We had a GREAT show tonight at the Dixie – what an amazing audience! The day started with all of us heading over to the local Subway to grab lunch before load in. Just as we walked through the doors, the sky opened up and it rained hard for about 25 minutes. We left in the rain and arrived at the theatre just as it started to subside a bit. We went in, scoped the area, met the crew, moved some of the softs good around, signed everyone in on the non-disclosure agreement, and passed out backstage passes. Just as the crew went out to unload the trailer, the rain started coming down again – hard and furious!
Once everything was on the stage, the tedious part of the day begins. This is a beautiful venue but some things got cut from the budget at the last minute – like an industry-standard light board. Scott did an outstanding job working with this board but it did take a lot more time that usual in focusing lights and writing cues. Once all of that was done and we did a fast tech rehearsal, it was 20 minutes until doors. It’s been a long time since we’ve pushed it that close.
All of that being said, none of it mattered when it came to show time because THIS AUDIENCE TONIGHT WAS AMAZING!!  We had a bit of excitement at the beginning when the fire alarms went off – strobe lights and a recorded voice telling people “there is an emergency – clear the building – handicapped persons first” etc. No one left – they just laughed…and the fire department came and took care of things. The TD here, Frank Dodd, had to stay with the control panel through the first half to make sure it didn’t go off again. But the audience just rolled with us and, once the magic started, they were with us from the first illusion. Great volunteers! Great responses! And a standing ovation!
We all left in a good state of mind in spite of some of the challenges of the day. Sonic was a late night dinner (very healthy place to eat at 10:30pm)…and tomorrow we’re back in the theatre early for two shows.
Good night…