First Tech 3/14 Notes

Wow!  That was an amazing and exhausting run through  and you should all be very proud.  Many elements were fusing at once and we still managed to run the show in under three hours.  Kudos to Brian and the staff for a great job !  Cast, you did incredibly well from all angles and held it together despite enormous obstacles.  I’m very proud of you all and want you to know that my notes are really being nit-picky at best and that I feel you all are heading to the opening in great shape. 

My notes from last night are slim to none as I felt we all needed to just ease into our work with all the new set additions, costumes and sound.  Here’s what I observed.

Diction – as we add more to the show I am noticing that everyone is getting a bit sloppy with final consonants and talking quite fast.  I know we’ll calm down as we get used to the new elements coming to the show, but make  an effort everyone to take a breath and speak a bit slower. 

This does not apply to Chris…he can speed things up a bit.

Nuns -  Our spacing on the Alleluia line is a bit tight on the Stage left side.  Please see Lynne about adjusting it.

Nuns – During Maria remember to adjust up to the desk after the song.  Mother did it and you have to follow.  Thanks.

SOM – Great job Micah!

Confidence – Micah you really have to pull down left as soon as possible for this number so we can spot you and darken the set change.

Von Trapp House – I think we are going to pull one of the chairs in the room on stage left.  We’ll need to adjust Do Re Mi on that.

Brigitta – all around great job tonight.  Thanks for taking care of the guitar

Rolf and Liesl – The kiss at the end was great! 

Goatherd – I think the tempo is too fast…I’ll talk to Dennis about pulling it back. It looks frenetic

Gretl – Make sure you feel up twice and down twice behind you before turning slowly…wide eyed and then jump at the thunder and run.

Girls – really pull at the back of the nightgowns so there’s more distance between you.

Nancy – we need to be a little more playful in the “occasionally I catch a glimpse of him” sequence.  We also need to adjust the position a bit so house left can see you. 

Friedrichs – we need you to have the guitar for the reprise of “Sound of Music” just pretend to play.

Pre – party – Ally – remember to set this up so we are fully right and in front of the portal.

Party intro  - We will review this tonight before the run

Morning Hymn – just remember to move to the DS line as quickly as possible and to step touch across.

Mother A – Climb Every Mount – scene is going very nicely.  I know you are acclimating to the nuns outfit but what a trouper you are!

Act 2

Kids - remember to really play up the Max Butt Dance!

Friedrich – you will need the guitar for the “Sound of Music” that the Captain makes you sing after Max leave. Just hold and stum – see meee about it.

Jeff and Micah – just a reminder about placement for “Something Good” so we see both of you. 

Micah – remember your reason from breaking from Georg to sing this song.

Mother A – thanks for being a sport on the cape.  We are talking about it and what to do.  Just mime it for the next rehearsal.

Gadeamus -  Jeff/Priest I love the priest but now we know when he comes in. If not see me.  And thanks for the giggle it was cute.

Kids – please check in with Lynne about  your wedding steps…things are not clean

16/17 Reprise – great job, but we need the couch to open up.  It put Liesl at a visual disadvantage

Rolf – Now that’s what I’m talking about.  Great job and lots of angst.

Girls – Be aware that Rolf is going for the juggler and get your lines out.  He was rolling and one of you hesitated with your line.  Liesl I think it was the “Rolf, don’t talk like that” and it blew the build.  Just run through this before we do it tonight.

Concert – Kids!!! the line up was not correct.  Please check in with Lynne to make sure you know where you are supposed to be.

Garden sequence – Sister M wait a minute and let us process where they are before coming in.  Also let the family react to the “Look There” before continuing.

Dean – amazing voice back there!

Saturday, 3/12 Notes

Sorry these are so late, but some of them are still relevent:

Having played Max for this rehearsal, I have limited notes. Some of what’s here I may have spoken to you individually about.

Nuns – number 2 and 6 should line up with the #10 on the stage.

Berthe – schock on “permission” line and then shake your head.

Confidence – Micah just remember to start as far DL as you can and stay DS

Franz – when you enter from the whistle, make sure you are right of the SL chair

Ally – your reaction, although funny, was a bit too big for Franz’s line

Jeff – When you are talking to them your arms are wiggling a bit.

Micah – “The POOR didn’t WANT this one”  it’s being underplayed

Kids – be ever mind ful of your spacing.

Madison/Elizabeth – remember to give Kurt and evil look instead of hitting him.

Kids – Please review the whistle/name segement with Jeff EVERY NIGHT

Ally – entrance on the whistle was terrific.

Brian – Whistle for Micah

Micah – Just us line and your introductions had no sense of wonder about them

Colden emphasize “BOY” and react proudly when she says you’re a man

Kids  - Thanks for the smiles children!  It really makes a difference.

Rolf – good read on “Can I come tomorrow”

Rolf – We’re need more emphasis on Austrian…I’m losing the end of the word..same for German.

Rolf – I think we originally had  you circle up on the “daughter” line. It’s something different.

Liesl – don’t forget to do the second “Going On” Move.

Rolf & Liesl see me about the end kiss just to review.

Bedroom scene I see shirt sleeves sticking out

Liesl – bigger head movement s on “yes” and “no”

Gretl – I can hear you sooo well.  Keep it up!

Micah – You said “maybe if ya’ll” in this scene/watch that

Liesl – you have to discover the Goatherd sequence

Rolf – after “how can love survive” make your cross to the center window..come in further.

Jeff – we talked about the arm placement on the Laendler

Jeff – don’t play the “odd” on Odd Man Out.

Sawyer – slow down a bit.  People enjoy watching you …don’t be in such a hurry.

Colden – don’t forget to pick up the guitar after Maria returns

Kids – during the “thinking” sequence for Favorite Things really move out. Madison you could almost make it all the way DL

Note for 3/11

Good work everyone!  Keep working....I feel the shows a bit intimate and we all could be a bit bigger in facial reaction and vocal strength.  I will tell you if I think  you've gone too far.

Notes this morning will be brief as I was on stage a good deal of the time as Max.  Thanks for bearing with me.

REMINDER - For all who use the following words please pronounce them as follows:

Franz - Frahnz
Berthe - Berteh
Frau - Frow (like Ow!)
Fraulein - Froy-line
Bremerhaven - Brem eh haf ehn

CHILDREN - PLEASE REVIEW EACH NIGHTS NOTES FOR ANY CHANGES AND INFORMATION THAT MAY BE REVEALING TO YOUR WORK...EVEN THOUGH IT'S MEANT DIRECTLY FOR THE OTHER CAST! 

KIDS - WHEN YOU ARE PERFORMING YOU MUST HAVE BIG HEALTHY SMILES! 

Thanks to all for working on "Froy-line" It's awkward now, but we'll get it.

Nuns - Our Alleluia spacing was messy.  We will review it at rehearsal today.  We should be set on where your eyes should be looking.

Maria/Nuns - let me know if you're comfortable with what we changed yesterday and apply it in today's rehearsal

Mother A - remember to take a left circle cross to the desk at the crest of applause.  Other nuns break and reassemble upstage at the desk with her.

Sister Berthe give us a bigger reaction as the bump on the scene.

Confidence - Micah make sure you play further downstage so we can separate you from the scene change.

Peter and Ally - let's spend two minutes on the "You would have made a fortune" sequence before we run today.

Peter - make sure you have a tray and polishing cloth when you come in./

Kids - you need to adjust your spacing to let Brigitta in.  You need to review the name announcement sequence with the Captain. It was pretty messy.

Brian - we still need to address a whistle for Maria

Colden - great read on I'm a BOY!  Nice job.

Brigitta - thanks for getting the guitar to Maria...please put it back when she hands it over to you.

Liesl - You're doing great work on this with the exception of "What do I know of these"  just see me on it.

Liesl - You look great up there and are so natural .  We need to look at "Bachelor Dandies"  it's the only really confusing moment to me.  Let's review your kiss with Rolf.  It looked like you had done this before. It should be the awkward first kiss feel.   You should yell at center after he leave.

Liesl - Rolf can't do his "I know, I know" hands unless you try to correct hims at "Going on,.."  You missed the second one.

Rolf - Review what we changed on the bench  after your yawn with Liesl so she knows we want you standing up for this.  Have fun pulling it back around for a potential kiss.

Rolf - "Can I come again tomorrow"  sounds like your saying "oh darn it" as opposed to "hey! this was fun, let's do it again!"

Colden/Lynne - Colden is hysterical in the pop corn sequence.  You kids need to have fun!!

Madison - Let's intimidate Kurt with a squenched face, mean look and not the push.

Brian - I'd like to add a thunder clap at the kiss for 16/17 for when they break.  It reinforces the rain and makes a bigger impact on their breaking the embrace.  Can we have rain/thunder sound in the transition?

Kids- All the entrances for "Goatheard were too far to the right.  You should be just left of center.

Sawyer - cut the "heh heh" in this scene it seems forced.

Kids - Keep singing during the leapfrog until Maria says "Captain."  It can be louder too and gigglish!

Jeff - Good job with 'Captain! I still think you need to discover the feel for "frauline"

Sawyer - remember to cheat out.

KIDS!  You have to have expression on your face.  How do you feel about your father singing after all this time?

Brigitta - Rocks, but she needs to cheat out a bit.

Ally - When the Captain whistles for you during the children sequence, you glide not march.  You  refuse to surrender your dignity.

Act 2

KIDS     - Goatherd seene needs to be you being your most mischievious.  Have fun with the blindfold sequence and laugh it up.

Nancy - anticipate your entrance so you're further into the terrace when Maria finishes "Favorite Things"

Liesl - Instruct Friedric to take guitar out from the terrace table when you leave, after Maria returns.

Kids - try asking Maria questions at the end of Fav/Things and let her walk you as a group DR so we clear the terrace entry way.

Nancy - remember to suggest with your hand when you move Max off the chair, not push.

Something Good - nice job.  When you pull out on "nothing comes from nothing" just admire each other.

Micah -  Let " All I could wish for is here" be to him, but it's too embarassing and you can't look him in the eye for it yet.  That makes you retreat to consider how this could be deserving for you.

Wedding - Jeff M. let's talk through it before we run it tomorrow...in the break

Brigitta - Your "no" to Max must sound like "of course not!"

Nice job on the presents tonight

Liesl - Let us see that you've learned something from Maria when you get to "I'll wait a year or two"

Brian - just a note on needing applause for the concert sequence.

Brian - We need spot lights for the concert sequence.

Austin - we need to talk about your holding of the gun.  See me.


Elsa and Kids - I think they need to move to you as we are totally covering the Captain. So they move to you while the captain gets up and then you process out as usual.

Elsa- With the ring, take it off without Georg knowing,  and when he kisses you hand, draw it up and drop the ring in his hand so we can see it.  It's too intimate presently and I can't really tell what happening.

All - unless Brian instructs me otherwise, we should be enter DR for the Garden and not so far upstage.  There may be problems with this, I will seek out Brian.

Rehearsal Notes 3/10

We are going into the home stretch and when backstage we know that Brian and Thomas are in charge.   If they ask you to be quiet, please take the direction and do so.  This is not a power trip, but an attempt to run things safely and efficiently.  If you can't follow their rules for the safety of all involved in the production, please let me know and I will find a replacement for you, because I will not have anyone hurt on my watch.

The theater can be a potentially dangerous place when people are goofing off and I've noticed a bit of it backstage.   This worries me a bit, especially with the density of scenic components.  I know all will be fine provided everyone remains quiet, attentive and stays out of the way when they are not needed.  We are in a good spot, but by no means in good enough shape that any actor whether Nuns, Kids or otherwise should be conversing in the wings.  No one person is so together that they can't be using their free time backstage to review their work; whether lines, choreography or blocking.  By talking or horsing around, you are pulling attention from the people who are expediting the story or  the physical set. This could adversely effect the show or allow for the unthinkable to happen and someone gets hurt.

I ask that all adults leave the children alone so they can concentrate on their work.  Let's do the work needed now and we can cut up after the show opens.

Brian has done an amazing job at organizing the run of this show.  We have consistently cut the run time and most of the scenic elements are in place.  Through his foresight and organizational skills he has saved us all an immeasurable amount of time usually devoted to working out the shows tech in long drawn out rehearsals.    Be mindful of this and appreciative.

Please follow the direction of the stage manager.


For all who use the following words please pronounce them as follows:

Franz - Frahnz
Berthe - Berteh
Frau - Frow (like Ow!)
Fraulein - Froy-line
Bremerhaven - Brem eh haf ehn

Thanks to Dana for caring enough to make it consistent.


Prologue - need to do the recording

Sister Sophia - how do you feel about Maria always being in trouble.

More eye rolling when Sister M says "laugh"

Sister B & S - better on the phsyical for Will of a Wisp - we'll look it over tomorrow.

Sister B - pull slightly right of Sister Marg. when in the background as you were almost behind her.

Mother A - watch your upstage turn after the song is finished

Ladies - we need to review the final hand gestures.

Favorite Things - nice job and very personal...not stagy at all.

Micah - "I have permission to sing" enjoy getting to say that.  Sister Berthe give us a bigger reaction as the bump on the scene.

Confidence - Micah make sure you play further downstage so we can separate you from the scene change.

Micah - we lost that zest for life when you introduce yourself as Maria Rainer.

Kids - you need to adjust your spacing to let Brigitta in.

Brian - we still need to address a whislte for Maria

Serguis - great read on I'm a BOY!  Nice job.

Sawyer - just look Maria's awful dress up once...don't go back for a second look.

Brigitta - thanks for getting the guitar to Maria...please put it back when she hands it over to you.

Austin - we talked about the "cads" sequence and your reaction sot "going on seventeen"

Austin we reviewed the arms when you attempt to kiss Liesl. Remember to let the arm go over and she's under.

Nice to have you back Austin.

Christian - You're doing great work on this with the exception of "What do I know of these"  just see me on it.

Christian - pull further right to the edge of the bed when talking to Maria so we can see her at the window.

Serguis - I don't know what's going on with the 'thunder" entrance, but you simply cannot be smiling.

Austin - come in a couple of more steps before Von Trapp sees you.  You're still pretty far right.

Kids - Keep singing during the leapfrog until Maria says "Captain."  It can be louder too.

Jeff - I think that's the best the Captain/Froyline sequence has gone.  Pacing was good.

Jeff - Let the kids get to "hills are alive, with the sound of music" before saying "What's that"

Sawyer - remember to cheat out.

KIDS!  You have to have expression on your face.  How do you feel about your father singing after all this time?

Micah - look at the captain singing during SOM reprise as the answer to your prayers...you and God did a good job.

Brigitta - thanks for getting those lines down.  It was much more confident tonight.

Nancy - time your entrance so your not standing waiting for your cue.  This is before Max appears.

Brigitta - YOU"RE in love with HIM TOO!

Micah - when you take your last look, please move further right and look to the dinning room.

Act 2

Kids when you immitate Max you have to make a complete circle around him.

Max - pull upstage to Georg's level when the kids see him.

Nancy - anticpate your entrance so you're further into the terrace when Maria finishes "Favorite Things"

Liesl - thanks for asking Serguis to pick up the guitar

Nancy - remember to suggest with your hand when you move Max off the chair, not push.

Chris and Nancy - When you trap Georg center, keep moving in on him.

Franz/Peter - remember the chair

Nancy - let's review the ring sequence together.  Kiss, lift the hand and drop the ring....

Something Good - nice job.  When you pull out on "nothing comes from nothing" just admire each other.

Wedding - Jeff let's talk through it before we run it tomorrow...in the break

Brigitta - Your "no" to Max must sound like "of course not!"

Nice job on the presents tonight

Liesl - let's talk about what's happening for you during the "swine" sequence.

Liesl - Let us see that you've learned something from Maria when you get to "I'll wait a year or two"

Peter/Franz - time your entrance with Rolf so that you are not "hanging" on the stair case.

Chris - Admiral Von S. scene, please play further stage right.

Jason - Thanks for dressing left to take in Maria and the kids.

Brian - just a note on needing applause for the concert sequence.

Brian - We need spot lights for the concert sequence.

Austin - we need to talk about your holding of the gun.

Notes for 3/9

General Notes - Good rehearsal and we still continue to shave time off the show.   The environment was really uncomfortable last night due to the rain, but you all soldiered on and for that I thank you.

You all are doing very well, but unfortunately the notes will reflect, for the most part, corrections.  Just know that we/I do see a great deal of improvement too! Just keep working.

Diction is becoming a problem.  Everyone needs to really hit their first and final consonants and speak up.

Here goes....

Act One -

Prologue – need to review our placement and move further to the left and right

SOM – Nice to hear you singing!

Maria – Still seeing generic gestures and everything seems to be pulling center.  At the end of the number we should be right of the table.

   **** Please see me about Flibbity Gibbit and Will of a Wisp

Maria,  It’s okay to touch the edges of the table, but make sure you don’t lean on it with both arms.

Favorite Things – Maria you did a weird adjustment on the line “Mother, where did you learn that song”   See me about that moment.

VonTrapp House – I see Liesl’s arm the entire time they are waiting.  Brian we may need to bring the wall in even more.

Captain – give Maria a moment on  her prayer before entering, It seems she barely crosses herself and you’re there.

Brian – The first banister post is crooked.  Can we adjust it?

Kids line up – the spacing was too tight on the left end.

Jeff/Kids – We lost the rhythm on your name announcements/whistle and many of you forgot to  get your knees into it.  I’ll talk to Jeff about it in the daytime rehearsal

Brian – do we have a whistle for Maria that works or does she need some instruction on how to use it?

Jeff – a bigger reaction to her saying she couldn’t use the whistle...something like "This isn't going to last"

Friedrich – “and I’m a BOY”  sa;y it like it’s something special.

Kurt//Sawyer – don’t stomp out when you are correcting Brigitta, only when you announce your name.

Brigitta – get the guitar out of the case and hand it to Maria.  When she passes it back, put it in the case.

Liesl – when you enter for Do Re Mi – you need to have an attitude about it.  Not just walking in, discover the fun.  Be surprised and join in.

Bedroom – we need the guitar placed at the edge of the bed.

Brian – we need a thunder clap in the dance sequence for 16 going on 17 to signal that it’s going to rain…thus wet liesl.

Micah – you probably wont be able to lean on the frame of the window, so get used to touching the outside not inside the panes.

Colden – really over play that “Oh, no” when you come into the room scared.

Colden – can you get over that bed faster?

Kurt and Fried.  – Make sure you’re on your knees on the bed.  We can barely see you behind the girls.

Lynne – Gretl on the bedhead makes me nervous.

Kurt and Gretle – What instrument is that they are playing, it looks like a washtub bass?


Brian - we talked about the terrace chairs looking small against the bannisters

Brian - Sound for the Abbey Bells and we need to record Nuns saying "Maria"

 Kids we need to set the turn for leaving on "at once" Please see me before we do it again.

Jeff - I think the "Captain" sequence got a bit hysterical this time.  Let's talk about it before the run tomororow.

 Nancy - your entrance for the kids singing SOM was correct.  It's going to take that much time to get them all assembled through the door.

Jeff - only go to one knee for your embrace with the chidlren.

Nancy - once you start walking to get to know the children, keep moving and talking.

Kids - don't fade out the dialogue with Frau Schrader, keep talking till your off the stage.

Brian -  we need to discuss with Jeff about a bad "dummy" whistle to throw offstage in SOM reprise

Micah - don't look at Jeff during the SOM reprise until your finished singing.  He's admiring you but we don't want there to be any chance that your giving him loving looks at this time.

Brian - remember to keep the terrace set up until Nancy finished her "take" on the "I'll pray for you" line.

Lynne - We need to let the waltzer waltz a bit longer before Jason break them.

Ally - Be careful not to lean in to the captain when you speak.

Brigitta - remember not to run to Maria until after the Captain leaves.  Don't let go of Maria when you start talking about her being in love...remember like a piranha.

Children - Remember to come in with the party guests and wait at the post on the stairs until she tells you to go ahead.

Colden - remember to smile...All Children remember your "performance" faces...you should be happy.

Liesl - Please move SR to your father for "first Champagne" line.

Gretl - needs to walk up to the stairs for "the sun" not back up.  She has a little music to get her there.

Nancy - You and Max exit to the dinning room after "So Long" not to the terrace.

Micah - we need to really milk that "leaving" sequence.  Take it all in for the last time.

Maria and MA - to better place yourselves, make sure that the kneeling sequence happens in front of the table.   The scene was working left.

MA - I think you hit all your marks for "Climb" bring your eye focus down a bit at the end. I'm not sure where your spotting, but it looks a bit high.

Act Two

Gretl - I didn't understand "finger" on sore finger.

Kids -  Let the singing before the captain comes in go on just a couple of seconds longer.

Elsa and Max - exit to the garden when you talke your walk.

Maria - Favorite Things reprise - when you finish and walk the children DS a couple of steps.

Maria - You're going to far US for "new Postulant" line....try to be more on the captains level.

Nancy - Missing the sunset line - move more down and left.

We have to get the guitar out of the garden sequence.

Micah - Something Good - Play out until, "for here you are"  don't turn to him earlier.  There should be distance between you until "nothing comes from nothing"  We need to review this little section.

Jeff, when you bring her to center, offer her your arm...the hand walk is looking indecisive.

Kids - remember never look further than profile unless specifically asked.

Postulants - look submissive and serious when the two nuns walk across.

Sister Margaretta - turn out to us with the nightie and hold it up when examining it.

Wedding - Nuns remember to have your placement upstage of the stain glass window.  We review it after the run last night.

Nuns  - remember to keep a consistent eye level. All looking at the same place.

Ally - where were you for the "presents" sequence..

Colden - you gotta make a big deal about those presents!

All - We are working on making room in the entrance area.  It doesn't work to enter upstage of the table and chairs.  We'll let you know how we've decided to work it tomorrow.

Jason - pull/dress left instead of turn your back to us when Maria comes in to meet you and the Admiral.

Jeff - Play on the same level as the Admiral, don't pull up.

Kids - Concert sequence is Performance Faces - you all seemed a bit under in energy tonight.

Kids - place yourselves at #10 for Edelwiess on both sides.  Stage left was in too close.

Dean/Nazi - good job and thanks for being there without a Max. Thomas you rock too! Thanks for picking up the slack.

Nuns - remember we moved you wayyyyyy far right and left last night so we can open up the mountains at the end.

Revised Rehearsal Schedule 3/12

Rehearsal Schedule
REVISED 3/1211

Saturday, March 12, 2011
10-?? Orchestra First Read( No Cast)
9-11 paper tech?? (NO ACTORS NEEDED)
2-6 Run Show (Children/ Karoline, Coldin, Madison, Sawyer, Annabella, Emma, Isabella)

Sunday, March 13, 2011
7-10pmTBA Sitzprobe/Dennis for time (Both Sets of Children)

Monday, March 14, 2011
Tech Rehearsal
5:30-7 Work with Max, Elsa and the Captain
/6:30 Call/7:00 GoChildren/ Christian, Serguis, Elizabeth, Brian, Morgan, Rebecca, Bevin

Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Tech Rehearsal/Separate Cast
6 pm Call/7:00 Go Children/ Karoline, Coldin, Madison, Sawyer, Annabella, Emma, Isabella

Wednesday, March 16, 2011
First Dress Rehearsal/ Separate Cast
6 pm Call/7:00 Go (Call times may be staggered by Hair/Makeup Calls)Children/ Christian, Serguis, Elizabeth, Brian, Morgan, Rebecca, Bevin

Thursday, March 17, 2011
Dress Rehearsal/Separate Cast
6 pm Call/7:30 Go (Call times may be staggered by Hair/Makeup Calls)Children/ Karoline, Coldin, Madison, Sawyer, Annabella, Emma, Isabella

Friday, March 18, 2011
Final Dress Rehearsal
6pm Call/7:30 Go (Call times may be staggered by Hair/Makeup Calls)Children/ Christian, Serguis, Elizabeth, Brian, Morgan, Rebecca, Bevin

Saturday, March 19, 2011
Opening Night6pm Call/7:30 Go (Call times may be staggered by Hair/Makeup Calls)Children/ Karoline, Coldin, Madison, Sawyer, Annabella, Emma, Isabella

Sunday, March 20, 20111
2:30 Call/2:00 Go (Call times may be staggered by Hair/Makeup Calls)Children/ Christian, Serguis, Elizabeth, Brian, Morgan, Rebecca, Bevin

Notes on Act One 3/1

PLEASE FORGIVE ME FOR ANY TYPOS! SEE ME AT REHEARSAL IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR WE NEED TO REVIEW!

AND THANKS FOR YOUR GREAT WORK!

KRIS


Act 1,

Scene 1

Nuns – Noble effort considering how many are missing. Remember to keep a high carriage and glide.

Remember to:
Adjust to profile for the “Morning Hymn”
Remain facing front until the completion of the Amen in “Alleluia”

Sister Berhe – Don’t leave after the Amen, Take your roll call as they are exiting

Scene 2 – no notes

Scene 3

The scene is good and you all have distinct personalities, which is nice. Posture is an issue as you all go in and out of a lifted carriage.

Ladies the open palms at waist level hand gestures are all too pervasive we have to make some other choices with our hands. The gesture for “moonbeam” is off too. Let’s talk before the run tomorrow about what we’re doing.

Mother A are you slighting Sister B with the “pretentiously pious" line? If so it needs to be a little more pointed and Sister B you need to take it as the correction it’s meant to be. Remember to channel your inner Margaret Hamilton!

Mother A – remember not to lean from the waist when making a point, keep your posture and dignity.

Sister B – we need to look at the “no question about Maria” cross. Don’t pull so far DS to where you have to look over your shoulder to regard Mother A.

Sister M – I can’t understand “laugh” you really need to push the “f” sound at the end of the word. You have a really sweet light speaking voice. Really push your consonants so we can hear you a bit better.

Sisters M & S make sure you are closer together in “Asset to the Abby”
You two need to physicalize “Flibbity and Will of a Wisp” More…actually move with it. have fun with that and I think you need to react a bit when Sister M says "a clown" as like, "how dare she!"

Mother A – remember not to pull to far center. You need to be inside the right of that centerline until you sing “Climb Every….” Also during one of you “Ave's” you turned upstage keep open.

The song is good, but we need to fix that line problem. Let’s review it before the run tomorrow.

Favorite Things – Mother A it’s pulling too far center.

Maria and Mother A - I don’t think I like the turn at “When the dog bites” it seems generic and stagy. I preferred a more personal playful feel. Try to come up with something non-choreographed. It goes to that stagy feel with the arm swings.

Scene 4 Confidence – Can’t wait to hear Micah can sing it again!

Jeff/Captain we talked about keeping it physically stricter in the beginning. It's getting a bit soft.

Frau Schmidt – nicely done, but make sure you “bristle” when that awful whistle goes off. See me about the “Oh?” it’s more like “What do you mean by that?”

Franz – get to the DL position a bit faster to deliver the “fortune” joke. The minute the doorbell rings you should be on your way. Remember to cheat out.

Frau Schmidt – can you react to the “fortune” joke for a millisecond...just a bit. See if we can mine a bit more out of it.

Maria, actually move to the terrace doors and then hear the bells before praying.

Jeff – When you come in while she’s praying it seems a bit menacing. I think maybe you are too close to her. Watch her, wait for her prayer to be over and start business.

Micah when you follow the captain SR and he turns don’t be scared, just dutiful and naïve about following his directions. I thinks it's like really happily, dutifully listening. You are not trying to "diss" him, just be the best governess you can by following his every word.

Brigita and Captain – I know you’ll kill me, but let’s go back to the old “book” bit. I think the new idea takes too long and ruins the captain’s flow for inspection.

Frau Schmidt – take only Maria’s bag not her guitar up the stairs.

Kurt//Sawyer – look Maria’s dress over from head to neck not just midsection while you are correcting Brigitta.

Louisa, remember to stay center for “you’ve never been a governess?" let’s separate you from the rest for a moment. Let’s also talk about your push on Kurt it's not the right gesture for the moment.

KIDS – great job tonight!! We need to expand all of your groupings because now they look really crowded together. It's not your fault, it comes from staging you while standing in front of you. We’ll adjust as we go tomorrow. You really have to start showing your emotions (on your faces) with Maria. Right now I can see all the good movement work you’ve done, but that has to disappear into a habit and you have to add facial expressions telling us how you are feeling during the song.

Scene 6
Good scene work, but prefunctory. I can tell Austin that your energy is off. We just need to talk through your reasons for moving and have you comfortable with them. You may be fine and all this and it could all be a result of your being ill. It’s just not as crisp as usual.

Christian – “Drinkers of brandies” sequence was off….we need to play innocent here…talk to me about it before we run. Remember the your last “older and wiser” is looking at him like he’s not the one to be lecturing you.

I’m being picky …..Posture was weak on both of you during this.

Scene 6

Ally – the second Fraulein Maria seems sing-songy. Let’s try for something more inquiring. Also you can be a bit less statuesque with Frau in this scene, you’ve go the feel, now back off a bit.

Ally act like you didn’t even hear the line before “It’s going to rain” and just say it as matter of factly as you can.

Micah – don’t shhhhh Liesl, just give her the “hand”

Christian – I don’t know why I wrote this on the line “Maybe I do” I felt you almost threw it away and underplayed it.

Boys - – remember to bring your fear into the thunder entrance and not make it too goofy, it's really BIG. But thanks for going all out with it.

Scene 8

Girls when you cross center let there be more space between you as you pull on each other’s nightgowns.

Scene 9

Jeff and Nancy place the village more DL closer to the bench.

Chris – make sure Captain is all the way out before you say “Elsa”

We need to review the song but Chris cut the sit on the table during Nancy’s verse and stay right of her at center. It’s too much.

Rolf – you need to come much further into the scene before the captain sees you. See me on it and I'll show you.

Chris remember you take the message and move DR

Peter you need to be at the door for “I’m too lovable”

Kids – GREAT LEAP FROG!! Just keep singing until Maria hits the Captain. There can be Laughter here as well you don't have to sing perfectly. Some of you can fall out laughing.

Kids – when you look at Maria snap back to position for “At Once” but don’t make it comical. It was a bit too big tonight.

Jeff – Remember the Captain/Fraulein discussion we had – I see it as more “I can’t believe I said that” as opposed to “Excuse me”. Maria you can register that you got his attention with his flub here and use it as a "reset" for the discussion...light it reignites your desire to get all those thoughts out even more.

Scene 10 – no problems

Scene 11 We reviewed this so I don’t have any further notes. I'll look at it again tomorrow.

Scene 12 - This was fine but a bit spongy with the blocking. I’d like to take a moment to run over it before we do the act.