I can't believe that it's been a few weeks since my last post. Time sure flew by while I was having fun.
The biggest news of the past few weeks is, of course, the official Opening of Mack and Mabel at the Shaw Festival Theatre. It truly was one of the most exciting nights in the theatre I've ever been involved with. Before the Overture had even finished, the sold-out house of 850+ burst into applause. Let me just say that this is not usual. From the very first scene, with Ben Campbell out there all by himself, you could feel the electricity in the air. Songs were cheered for. Every laugh landed. And the cast was calmly going through the paces, clipping along in a very controlled, but energetic manner. We were on. Act 1 was cheered to a close, only to be topped by the reactions for Act 2. It was with tremendous pride and joyful exuberance that we came out for our curtain calls - yes there were THREE bows that night. It's hard to describe just how good that made me feel.
In the next few days, virtually all the papers declared us a HIT, which made us feel even better, but only for knowing that even tired old grumpy theatre critics can enjoy a show every once in a while too. That week, 4 other shows opened as well, and each of them received excellent reviews. This the first time in my seven years here that all of the opening shows received such critical praise.
So, book your tickets soon, and don't miss out on a great season of theatre. (No, I don't get a cut of the action.)
What else... TRISTAN rehearsals began! Even doing 'table work' for Tristan is such a joy. Forget about the eventual production, we get paid to sit around a table and talk about Music and Art??? How great is that!!! The show is in great hands, has a great director and designers, will look and sound beautiful, and will likely break your heart. Bring tissues. Who could ask for anything more? Now that we're running Mack and Mabel about 4 times a week, we will have about 5 Tristan rehearsals each week, until about the end of June. Then we move into the theatre for "Tech rehearsals" prior to our first preview on July 12, the day before my birthday. (Get those cards in the mail now...) I'll fill you in on more Tristan dish as we go along.
What else... The CD!!! Is not done. (what else is new?) No, but seriously, it is sounding amazing. Final tweaks are being made (mostly to make me sound like Avril Lavigne), the design is well underway, and within a few days, the final step of mastering will begin. I guess we're looking at 4 weeks till it drops. That's music industry lingo for 'we ran out of money so it's as good as it's gonna get'. More news to come soon, I promise.
What else... SYDNEY is now 8 months old, and is now reading Rousseau. Never before has such a brilliant child lived. And, she's just signed a 7-figure deal with Gerber. Finally, Christine and I can buy that house we've always wanted. And in this town, you need 7-figures...
Enjoy the beautiful spring weather, and check back soon for another update.
