For this entry, I'm tempted just to write "WOW!"
But that doesn't really capture the amazing experience today at the Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center.
Let me back up a bit. Tuesday night we ran the final rehearsal for the First Stage production of Disney's High School Musical. Like most dress rehearsals, there were a few problems to be solved - but it wasn't a bad show at all. Still, we all knew we could do better - and theatre lore has it that a rough dress rehearsal translates into a great show!
So this morning at 9:30 a.m. the cast ran its first real show - with the theater filled to the brim with local school kids. For about five years now First Stage has made a tradition of offering a weekday morning performance where local schools can bring students to see a show at a reduced cost.
A show doesn't really come together until there's an audience - and what an audience they were! They screamed, they cheered, they laughed, they sang and clapped along - I half expected to see them dancing in the aisles! It made for an electric atmosphere, and gave the cast a real charge of energy. Orchestra Leader Mark Smith pointed out that it was the first show he could remember where the crowd manged to drown out the band!
I've been going to shows for a long, long time, and I've been directly involved with First Stage for about 13 years, and I've never seen a crowd like that - it was simply amazing!
Tomorrow evening: the first regular performance!
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