Never Stop Thinking!

Two music rehearsals and one choreography rehearsal down - tonight music rehearsal three. This is SO much fun. The music. The cast. The choreography. The cast. The harmonies. The cast.

So last week at this time, I was nervous because I didn't know a lot of the cast...and now a week later I am adoring the cast! Everyone is so kind and so funny. It's just a really great group and I think we started to feel that this past Sunday at our first choreography rehearsal. Robin did a great job of getting us comfortable with one another and it was really a time for us to support one another too as we did our dance steps across the floor - everyone was so encouraging of everyone else as we laughed and stretched. And boy, did we stretch. My body still hates me from Sunday...muscles are sore that have never been sore. But that's a good thing! I was a bit irritated with myself on Sunday, because I wasn't dancing clean a fluid like I wanted too...it's just been a while since I have really 'danced' in a show. I have to reteach my body what it's like to full out dance again.

As mentioned, tonight is our third music rehearsal...and this is some tough music. It's amazing music, but you have to constantly be thinking while you sing. Tight harmonies, notes you have to literally pull from thin air...and "ooo, ooo, ooo, ooo's" that the guys NEVER get right (but I am trying to convince everyone to do the diva hand motion when they sing it in the car - maybe that will help). Or not. We'll get it...it all goes back to remembering to think. And we need to get this music down before we start getting on our feet, because we'll have a whole new plethora of things to be thinking about. Needless to say, my iPod is getting quiet the workout when I'm not in rehearsals.

Looking forward to seeing everyone tonight and learning more of the music - "went Kate to conquer all...".

Finally...The First Rehearsal!

Wow - I can't believe it finally arrived! Last night was the first rehearsal for "The Wild Party". I have been so anxious to get started on this show, as has everyone involved apparently.

In addition to being anxious, though, I was also really nervous walking into last nights rehearsal. I knew some of the cast from previous shows and friendships, but a majority of the cast I did not know...and of course when I walked-in last night...no one I knew was there yet. Despite what many people think, I am not always an extrovert and I was pretty quiet when I sat at the table. Quiet because I didn't know anyone yet, and quiet because I couldn't believe that I was actually there! The day I had been waiting for, for some time. I honestly can't remember when I was so excited to start working on a show.

Soon the room filled with the rest of the cast and familiar faces came pouring in. It was so good to see people - many I hadn't seen in years. It was a bit of a reunion of sorts. And after sitting at the table for five minutes, everyone acted as if they knew everyone and jokes, stories, laughter and new friendships were being formed. It's a pretty awesome experience when you get a bunch of theatre people in one room - we all have the passion for the same thing - and feed off that energy. And boy is there a lot of energy to feed off with the amazing cast Scott has assembled.

And amazing on so many different levels. The talent that sat around the piano last night was astounding. 16 people singing a score that they have never sung before - and making it work. That's not to say that this isn't going to be work - it's going to be a hell of a lot of work. This score is hard. But we're all up to the challenge. Speaking of, I'm singing bass in this show...I don't know when the last time I got to sing bass line...but I think I'm loving it! Who knew? Oh, Scott - that's right.

So...we have a couple days off before we start our first choreography rehearsal on Sunday. And for those of you that know me, you know I'm super excited to be in a show where I can dance. And who better to dance with than Robin Berger...I kind of adore her. Anyway, I left rehearsal last night on a huge high, a smile on my fast, and went to bed happy to be in rehearsals again. This is going to be a fun journey and I know I am going to grow as a performer because of it.

Four Months of Anticipation Almost Here!

It's almost time - two more days, and I finally get to start rehearsals for New Line Theatre's production of The Wild Party! This has been a long wait, as I auditioned for the show almost four months ago. I have been cast as Sam Himmelsteen, and when I looked-up his character description on-line, it stated the following: a New York producer and being pursued by Delores. He might be a client of hers. He is reluctant to audition the D'Armano brothers, but is convinced by Delores to do so. He and his wife are swingers; bi-sexual. Well, no telling if this is a true character description or even the vision that Scott Miller has in mind, but it's exciting nevertheless, and I can't wait to get started.

I'm also excited to finally work with New Line Theatre. I auditioned for New Line once before - I think it was in 2000 (wow, ten years ago) but was not cast...and my schedule just hasn't worked out to audition for them again until this show. I've worked with Scott before on a side project that we did at Harrah's Casino in 2000, but that's another story for another time. The point of the matter is, I'm really looking forward to working with the amazing cast, to work with Scott again, and to finally dive into this incredible show (it's the only CD that has been in my car for the last four months...and it has been on repeat...I have a sickness, I know).

And with all that said, I leave you with my favorite lyric from the show that Queenie sings in her final song: No Limits. No Boundaries. No Compromise.