Tuesday, August 31, 2004
What Andrew Lippa Is Up To Next
In the grand tradition of 'Annie', there's a new musical being developed about the character Betty Boop. And Andrew Lippa has revealed to a Bay Area newspaper that he has been signed on as composer.
Here's the item as picked up nationally in Playbill.com.
Kristen Chenoweth as Boop? Sounds like perfection to me!
Here's the item as picked up nationally in Playbill.com.
Kristen Chenoweth as Boop? Sounds like perfection to me!
Monday, August 30, 2004
Remaining Performance Schedule for "A Little Princess"
So, you haven't gotten your tickets yet?
Not that I'm judging of course.
But did I mention how ecstatic those early audiences were?
Anyway, you still have three, count 'em three, weekends to see the show, and here are the details:
Here's a link to the Calendar on the TheatreWorks web site.
Each weekend isn't exactly the same, so it's a lot easier to check out that online calendar.
Once you have chosen your date, go to this link to buy tickets, either online or via the phone.
The show closes Sunday September 19th at 2pm, so you've got plenty of time. But not too much time!
Not that I'm judging of course.
But did I mention how ecstatic those early audiences were?
Anyway, you still have three, count 'em three, weekends to see the show, and here are the details:
Here's a link to the Calendar on the TheatreWorks web site.
Each weekend isn't exactly the same, so it's a lot easier to check out that online calendar.
Once you have chosen your date, go to this link to buy tickets, either online or via the phone.
The show closes Sunday September 19th at 2pm, so you've got plenty of time. But not too much time!
When Art Shouldn't Imitate Life!
One thing I didn't mention in my mini-review of "A Little Princess" is a spine-tingling moment in Act II.
I'm hoping someone gave this note, but if not, then I am doing you all a favor by bringing it up.
There's a scene in Act II where the two Minchin sisters are having Christmas dinner. Somehow one or both of these fine actresses (Kimberly King and Molly Bell) managed to make the most consistent scratching cutlery sounds on their plates while they were "eating."
I'm getting goosebumps just writing about this.
All I know is I was squirming in my seat until the eating stopped and the conflict of the scene began.
Please, please, perhaps some felt affixed to the plate? I don't know, I've never been a Props person. There must be some trick that can prevent that? Any fine scenic folks out there who have dealt with this?
Or maybe it's just me? I'm particularly sensitive to the fingernails on chalkboard syndrome? See I just got goosebumps writing that phrase!
Anyway, if any of you see the show and find that the scratching noises are notably absent, let me know!
I'm hoping someone gave this note, but if not, then I am doing you all a favor by bringing it up.
There's a scene in Act II where the two Minchin sisters are having Christmas dinner. Somehow one or both of these fine actresses (Kimberly King and Molly Bell) managed to make the most consistent scratching cutlery sounds on their plates while they were "eating."
I'm getting goosebumps just writing about this.
All I know is I was squirming in my seat until the eating stopped and the conflict of the scene began.
Please, please, perhaps some felt affixed to the plate? I don't know, I've never been a Props person. There must be some trick that can prevent that? Any fine scenic folks out there who have dealt with this?
Or maybe it's just me? I'm particularly sensitive to the fingernails on chalkboard syndrome? See I just got goosebumps writing that phrase!
Anyway, if any of you see the show and find that the scratching noises are notably absent, let me know!
New Live Shots from "A Little Princess"
Tiny little blurb in Playbill.com today.
But it is notable for having several new photo shots taken, I believe, on one of the Preview nights.
Check them out here.
But it is notable for having several new photo shots taken, I believe, on one of the Preview nights.
Check them out here.
Saturday, August 28, 2004
Andrew Lippa in concert (but not until January)
In case you're not an obsessive program reader like I am, I wanted to highlight something I saw in there..."Little Princess" composer Andrew Lippa is performing in concert with Broadway star Judy Kuhn up in San Rafael in January.
Here's a link to the event calendar. You have to scroll down; there isn't a direct link to this event.
[Kuhn, in case you're not familiar, has been a major Broadway player for a while now. She's the original Cosette in "Les Mis" on Broadway, the original Florence in "Chess" on Broadway. She was also the singing voice for Pocahantas in the Disney movie.]
Anyway, if you listened to the audio clip I posted of Andrew singing, you now that between the two of these performers, it's going to be a great night of singing.
Here's a link to the event calendar. You have to scroll down; there isn't a direct link to this event.
[Kuhn, in case you're not familiar, has been a major Broadway player for a while now. She's the original Cosette in "Les Mis" on Broadway, the original Florence in "Chess" on Broadway. She was also the singing voice for Pocahantas in the Disney movie.]
Anyway, if you listened to the audio clip I posted of Andrew singing, you now that between the two of these performers, it's going to be a great night of singing.
Friday, August 27, 2004
Another blogger's LP Review
Ah, the blogosphere.
So this blogger commented on my blog review, and provided a link to HER blog review. I went and read it. And now I'm going to link to HER blog review here!
The circle of blogging life.
Anyway, she loved the show, but beware, she is even more of a plot spoiler than I am.
Do NOT read it if you don't want to know some major stuff about how it all turns out.
So this blogger commented on my blog review, and provided a link to HER blog review. I went and read it. And now I'm going to link to HER blog review here!
The circle of blogging life.
Anyway, she loved the show, but beware, she is even more of a plot spoiler than I am.
Do NOT read it if you don't want to know some major stuff about how it all turns out.
Thursday, August 26, 2004
Top 5 reasons to See "A Little Princess"
Having had some time to reflect since last night's show, I have come up with my contribution to the world of Listmania, the Top 5 Reasons to see "A Little Princess."
The problem is that I don't want to reveal any spoilers for those of you who haven't seen the show yet.
I know that sounds counterintuitive, since this whole blog is about giving you a behind-the-scenes look.
Nonetheless, I know that some people don't like to read reviews before they see a show (no preconceived notions, you know?)
So, for those of you who want to see my list, here is a link to it:
The Top 5 Reasons to See "A Little Princess" (Warning: Minor Spoilers!)
I'll just throw you a little teaser:
I praise somethings visual, some things auditory and some things emotional. That narrows it right down, huh?
The problem is that I don't want to reveal any spoilers for those of you who haven't seen the show yet.
I know that sounds counterintuitive, since this whole blog is about giving you a behind-the-scenes look.
Nonetheless, I know that some people don't like to read reviews before they see a show (no preconceived notions, you know?)
So, for those of you who want to see my list, here is a link to it:
The Top 5 Reasons to See "A Little Princess" (Warning: Minor Spoilers!)
I'll just throw you a little teaser:
I praise somethings visual, some things auditory and some things emotional. That narrows it right down, huh?
Big Preview Audiences...Buzz Buzz Buzz
So, my theatre companions and I were a bit surprised when we walked into the theatre last night and found nearly a packed house for the 1st Preview night. I know, I know, this blog has created so much buzz with its 1/2 price offer (still good for tonight I might add) that I shouldn't have been surprised at all!
The thing you should know, though, is that this preview audience was wildly enthusiastic. There was much leaping to the feet and shouting of 'bravo', and you know what that means...word of mouth and positive buzz.
And you know what that means: ticket sales.
I was sitting outside the theatre waiting for my friend to move his car after the show, and I heard one lady walking by saying:
"The score! The lyrics! Everything!"
You can bet she's going to tell two friends.
You can still see tonight's preview for half price.
And otherwise you can click on the box office link in the left hand side bar of this blog to review all the performance times and get your tickets. Don't delay...I'm smelling a break-away, sell-out hit here.
The thing you should know, though, is that this preview audience was wildly enthusiastic. There was much leaping to the feet and shouting of 'bravo', and you know what that means...word of mouth and positive buzz.
And you know what that means: ticket sales.
I was sitting outside the theatre waiting for my friend to move his car after the show, and I heard one lady walking by saying:
"The score! The lyrics! Everything!"
You can bet she's going to tell two friends.
You can still see tonight's preview for half price.
And otherwise you can click on the box office link in the left hand side bar of this blog to review all the performance times and get your tickets. Don't delay...I'm smelling a break-away, sell-out hit here.
Tuesday, August 24, 2004
"Striking 12" in Concert in NYC
Here's a link to a Playbill.com story about a concert performance of "Striking 12."
As the article states, the concerts will be the only chance for East Coasters to catch "Striking 12", and apparently they're recording it, in order to have CDs ready in time for its opening here at TheatreWorks.
Check it out.
As the article states, the concerts will be the only chance for East Coasters to catch "Striking 12", and apparently they're recording it, in order to have CDs ready in time for its opening here at TheatreWorks.
Check it out.
Monday, August 23, 2004
"Little Princess" featured in today's Merc
If you didn't see it, here's the feature article that was in this morning's Mercury. [Free registration is required.]
8/23/04 Mercury News Feature
The article also has a couple of pictures from rehearsal:
Here's a shot of that monkey you already may have read about.
And here's a candid rehearsal shot of our choreographer, Andy Blankenbuehler.
8/23/04 Mercury News Feature
The article also has a couple of pictures from rehearsal:
Here's a shot of that monkey you already may have read about.
And here's a candid rehearsal shot of our choreographer, Andy Blankenbuehler.
Saturday, August 21, 2004
Don't Forget: Half-Price Previews THIS Wednesday & Thursday!
The buzz is positively deafening for this show. I'm on national theatre-related chat lists where people are begging to hear first word about how the show is.
And you lucky Bay Area folks are the ones who get to see for yourself. Don't forget this awesome 1/2 price preview offer for blog readers:
When the Previews Are: Wednesday/Thursday (the 25th/26th) at 8:00PM
Where the Shows Are: The Mountain View CPA on Castro Street
What To Do:
Call the box office at: 650.463.1960
Use Promotion Code: BLOG
How Much It Will Cost: Half-price is $14, plus a $2 facility fee for the MVCPA. (Total=$16)
No online orders and no walk ups.
These are General Admission seats, so on the evening of performance the seats are first come, first served. But if you've been to the MVCPA you know there's not really a bad seat in that house.
See you there! I can't wait!
And you lucky Bay Area folks are the ones who get to see for yourself. Don't forget this awesome 1/2 price preview offer for blog readers:
When the Previews Are: Wednesday/Thursday (the 25th/26th) at 8:00PM
Where the Shows Are: The Mountain View CPA on Castro Street
What To Do:
Call the box office at: 650.463.1960
Use Promotion Code: BLOG
How Much It Will Cost: Half-price is $14, plus a $2 facility fee for the MVCPA. (Total=$16)
No online orders and no walk ups.
These are General Admission seats, so on the evening of performance the seats are first come, first served. But if you've been to the MVCPA you know there's not really a bad seat in that house.
See you there! I can't wait!
Wednesday, August 18, 2004
What "A Little Princess" Means To You
I've been having some conversations with friends about "A Little Princess." After posting my own story about how much I loved this book as a child (and when I read it again as an adult) I've been asking other people about their own memories of the book.
I found out I'm not the only one who loved it. I'm not even the only one who read it again as an adult. I received this lovely story that captures the poignant and uplifting quality of "A Little Princess."
"Oh my, that was and still is one of my favorite books. My children watched the video over and over.
Specific memories? I just remember reading that book over and over from when I was about 8 to when I was about 12. Every time I went into a Victorian-type house, I would imagine it was Miss Minchin's Academy! And here's something else: when I was in my mid-30s, my father died. I was searching for comfort, of course, and turned to a number of my favorite children's books, in addition to "A Little Princess." It wasn't until after I'd finished "A Little Princess" that I realized why I had felt a strong need to read it again at that time. Sara Crewe learns that there can be comfort and love again after great loss."
I found out I'm not the only one who loved it. I'm not even the only one who read it again as an adult. I received this lovely story that captures the poignant and uplifting quality of "A Little Princess."
"Oh my, that was and still is one of my favorite books. My children watched the video over and over.
Specific memories? I just remember reading that book over and over from when I was about 8 to when I was about 12. Every time I went into a Victorian-type house, I would imagine it was Miss Minchin's Academy! And here's something else: when I was in my mid-30s, my father died. I was searching for comfort, of course, and turned to a number of my favorite children's books, in addition to "A Little Princess." It wasn't until after I'd finished "A Little Princess" that I realized why I had felt a strong need to read it again at that time. Sara Crewe learns that there can be comfort and love again after great loss."
Monday, August 16, 2004
Show Hoppers
Saturday night I went to see "Ragtime" at Foothill Music Theatre (for the second time...great show.)
After the show, I was standing out in the courtyard talking to my friends in the show. "Ragtime" isn't a short show by any means, so it was after 11:15 PM by then.
I noticed three people, cast members back in street clothes, working on some dance steps in the courtyard.
I was thinking, wow, they close tomorrow, and they're still woodshedding their numbers?!
But no, these were some "Ragtime" cast members who also happen to be in "A Little Princess", and were working on some steps from rehearsal.
I think that's a pretty good definition of "dedication"!
[For those of you who don't know the term "woodshedding": it means working on or practicing something outside official rehearsal time. And it often carries the connotation of going over something over and over to get it down right.]
After the show, I was standing out in the courtyard talking to my friends in the show. "Ragtime" isn't a short show by any means, so it was after 11:15 PM by then.
I noticed three people, cast members back in street clothes, working on some dance steps in the courtyard.
I was thinking, wow, they close tomorrow, and they're still woodshedding their numbers?!
But no, these were some "Ragtime" cast members who also happen to be in "A Little Princess", and were working on some steps from rehearsal.
I think that's a pretty good definition of "dedication"!
[For those of you who don't know the term "woodshedding": it means working on or practicing something outside official rehearsal time. And it often carries the connotation of going over something over and over to get it down right.]
Sunday, August 15, 2004
Awesome Online Interview with Andrew Lippa, featuring performance of LP song!
I found this terrific interview with Andrew Lippa on Playbill Online.
It starts out with some talk about his previous show "The Wild Party", but mentions "A Little Princess" and then he sings a number from it, "Live Out Loud".
Wow. First of all, Lippa needs to take his show out on the road...he has a great voice.
And the song is beautiful.
Take a listen.
It starts out with some talk about his previous show "The Wild Party", but mentions "A Little Princess" and then he sings a number from it, "Live Out Loud".
Wow. First of all, Lippa needs to take his show out on the road...he has a great voice.
And the song is beautiful.
Take a listen.
Thursday, August 12, 2004
Breaking News: Half-Price Preview Tickets for Blog-Readers
Just got word from TheatreWorks that they're offering half-price tickets to you, my faithful blog readers for next week's two Preview nights of "A Little Princess"!
When the Shows Are: Wednesday/Thursday (the 25th/26th) at 8:00PM
Where the Shows Are: The Mountain View CPA on Castro Street
What To Do:
Call the box office at: 650.463.1960
Use Promotion Code: BLOG
How Much It Will Cost: Half-price is $14, plus a $2 facility fee for the MVCPA. (Total=$16)
Unlike the "Red" previews: you cannot order online and you cannot just walk up.
These are General Admission seats, so on the evening of performance the seats are first come, first served. But if you've been to the MVCPA you know there's not really a bad seat in that house.
See you there! I can't wait!
When the Shows Are: Wednesday/Thursday (the 25th/26th) at 8:00PM
Where the Shows Are: The Mountain View CPA on Castro Street
What To Do:
Call the box office at: 650.463.1960
Use Promotion Code: BLOG
How Much It Will Cost: Half-price is $14, plus a $2 facility fee for the MVCPA. (Total=$16)
Unlike the "Red" previews: you cannot order online and you cannot just walk up.
These are General Admission seats, so on the evening of performance the seats are first come, first served. But if you've been to the MVCPA you know there's not really a bad seat in that house.
See you there! I can't wait!
New Link to Andrew Lippa's Web Site
If you look in the left hand side bar of this blog, you will see a new addition.
"A Little Princess" composer Andrew Lippa happens to have his own web site where you can keep track of all of his activities.
Not only that, his site was designed by local actor David Curley, who just happened to have also designed my Worker Bees web site!
That's the 'circle of life' or 'it's a small, small world' factor in action or something!
Check out Andrew's site. II was impressed, for instance, to read about his upcoming collaboration with Kristin Chenoweth at Carnegie Hall!)
"A Little Princess" composer Andrew Lippa happens to have his own web site where you can keep track of all of his activities.
Not only that, his site was designed by local actor David Curley, who just happened to have also designed my Worker Bees web site!
That's the 'circle of life' or 'it's a small, small world' factor in action or something!
Check out Andrew's site. II was impressed, for instance, to read about his upcoming collaboration with Kristin Chenoweth at Carnegie Hall!)
Tuesday, August 10, 2004
Do Girls Still Read "A Little Princess"?
I remember A Little Princess as one of my favorite books growing up. That and The Secret Garden, both written by Frances Hodgson Burnett, were staples for my generation of young girls. Funny how they both were turned into musicals huh?
In fact, some time in my 30s I decided to buy some of the books I remembered loving as a child and to read them again. I thought it would be interesting to see if certain fondly remembered books still struck a chord with me. I bought the Burnett books first thing, along with the Chronicles of Narnia, The Phantom Tollbooth and others.
And I loved those books all over again!
I think in many cases I loved the books with very vivid descriptions, not only of events, but of people and their feelings, of places and their atmosphere, of things and their meaning.
I can still picture Sara Crewe's attic as I pictured it back then. And her doll. And the monkey. I can still picture the two sisters who ran the school.
I know someone out there will disagree, but I never really fell in love with the Ramona books, because they seemed very anecdotal. First this happened; then that happened and so on. Give me inner monologs. Give me small details. Give me a little flight of fantasy too.
I wonder if girls of a certain age still read the Burnett duo of books as I, and other girls my age, did? I certainly hope so. As a adult I can appreciate that they subtly imparted wisdom about helping others and about being perseverant. Still good lessons.
In fact, some time in my 30s I decided to buy some of the books I remembered loving as a child and to read them again. I thought it would be interesting to see if certain fondly remembered books still struck a chord with me. I bought the Burnett books first thing, along with the Chronicles of Narnia, The Phantom Tollbooth and others.
And I loved those books all over again!
I think in many cases I loved the books with very vivid descriptions, not only of events, but of people and their feelings, of places and their atmosphere, of things and their meaning.
I can still picture Sara Crewe's attic as I pictured it back then. And her doll. And the monkey. I can still picture the two sisters who ran the school.
I know someone out there will disagree, but I never really fell in love with the Ramona books, because they seemed very anecdotal. First this happened; then that happened and so on. Give me inner monologs. Give me small details. Give me a little flight of fantasy too.
I wonder if girls of a certain age still read the Burnett duo of books as I, and other girls my age, did? I certainly hope so. As a adult I can appreciate that they subtly imparted wisdom about helping others and about being perseverant. Still good lessons.
Sunday, August 08, 2004
TheatreWorks in the News
Here's an item I saw pop up in the news on TheatreWorks:
A story on the upcoming "Crowns" in Variety, talking about it being a "sleeper hit." [Registration required for full story.]
If you're doing a season of premieres, show selection is everything, and it looks like we've picked another winner!
A story on the upcoming "Crowns" in Variety, talking about it being a "sleeper hit." [Registration required for full story.]
If you're doing a season of premieres, show selection is everything, and it looks like we've picked another winner!
Friday, August 06, 2004
8/26/04: Free Discussion with Andrew Lippa & Brian Crawley
Ever wonder how a new musical goes from imagination to stage?
Obviously you do. That's why you visit this blog!
Join TheatreWorks Director of New Works, Kent Nicholson, in conversation with Brian Crawley (book and lyrics: "A Little Princess") and Andrew Lippa (music: "A Little Princess".)
How TheatreWorks, this free public speaker series, will be held Thursday, August 26 from 6:15-7pm at Books, Inc at 301 Castro Street in downtown Mountain View.
You do not need to attend the Thursday preview performance to participate. Discussion will break in time for ticket holders to arrive at the theatre for the general admission performance.
Space is limited so please arrive early.
I think you can tell by their interview that these guys are quick-witted and quick on their feet, so it should be a lively and illuminating discussion!
Obviously you do. That's why you visit this blog!
Join TheatreWorks Director of New Works, Kent Nicholson, in conversation with Brian Crawley (book and lyrics: "A Little Princess") and Andrew Lippa (music: "A Little Princess".)
How TheatreWorks, this free public speaker series, will be held Thursday, August 26 from 6:15-7pm at Books, Inc at 301 Castro Street in downtown Mountain View.
You do not need to attend the Thursday preview performance to participate. Discussion will break in time for ticket holders to arrive at the theatre for the general admission performance.
Space is limited so please arrive early.
I think you can tell by their interview that these guys are quick-witted and quick on their feet, so it should be a lively and illuminating discussion!
Wednesday, August 04, 2004
Excerpt from An Interview with "A Little Princess" Creators, Lippa & Crawley
Dateline: July 20, 2004
Andrew Lippa (Composer) and Brian Crawley (Book & Lyrics)
TW: How did the show come about?
Brian: It started with Heidi [Ettinger, set designer and producer] and Susan [Schulman, the director] who both worked on "The Secret Garden" in the same roles. That production got remounted in Australia and did extremely, extremely well for the Australian producers, who eventually decided they were interested in trying to generate a new project.
Andrew: I think Susan also directed something else with those guys.
Brian: They took her [Susan] over there to direct some other stuff, and also Heidi without Susan had done an opera and "Big River." On one of their trips to America, the Australian producers happened, just by coincidence, to see Heidi and Susan both on different days. They went up to Stratford to see Susan's production of "Fiddler on the Roof..."
Andrew: Which got rave reviews...
Brian: ...and they said, "We'd love to work on a new piece with you." And Susan and Heidi and I were working on a different piece that we were all ready to abandon, and they said "are you working on anything new", and Susan said, instead of talking about that, "Well, Heidi and I were talking about doing something based on "A Little Princess"." But really, I think her conversation with Heidi had been about 2 minutes long. As it happens the Australians were going next to New York to see some Broadway shows and they went to an opening, and they happened to be seated next to Heidi. They said, "Well we hear you're working on A Little Princess, we want to be involved", and she said, "Ok, why don't you be the principal." So, it was something that occurred because there was a market for it without anybody trying. So, they came to me because I was already working with them and...
Andrew: ...and you had already worked with Susan on "Violet..."
Brian: Right. And before even talking about composers they wanted me to read it and respond to it. My initial reaction to it was not positive, only because I had seen a preview for the movie A Little Princess that had come out...
Andrew: The Alfonso Cuarón one.
Brian: Oh you naughty minx.
As you can tell we didn't have to ask much to get these two rolling. There's more to the interview, and it will be published in the TheatreWorks e-newsletter, In the Works.
Click here to receive the newsletter and read the rest of the interview with the creators of our world premiere production of "A Little Princess."
Andrew Lippa (Composer) and Brian Crawley (Book & Lyrics)
TW: How did the show come about?
Brian: It started with Heidi [Ettinger, set designer and producer] and Susan [Schulman, the director] who both worked on "The Secret Garden" in the same roles. That production got remounted in Australia and did extremely, extremely well for the Australian producers, who eventually decided they were interested in trying to generate a new project.
Andrew: I think Susan also directed something else with those guys.
Brian: They took her [Susan] over there to direct some other stuff, and also Heidi without Susan had done an opera and "Big River." On one of their trips to America, the Australian producers happened, just by coincidence, to see Heidi and Susan both on different days. They went up to Stratford to see Susan's production of "Fiddler on the Roof..."
Andrew: Which got rave reviews...
Brian: ...and they said, "We'd love to work on a new piece with you." And Susan and Heidi and I were working on a different piece that we were all ready to abandon, and they said "are you working on anything new", and Susan said, instead of talking about that, "Well, Heidi and I were talking about doing something based on "A Little Princess"." But really, I think her conversation with Heidi had been about 2 minutes long. As it happens the Australians were going next to New York to see some Broadway shows and they went to an opening, and they happened to be seated next to Heidi. They said, "Well we hear you're working on A Little Princess, we want to be involved", and she said, "Ok, why don't you be the principal." So, it was something that occurred because there was a market for it without anybody trying. So, they came to me because I was already working with them and...
Andrew: ...and you had already worked with Susan on "Violet..."
Brian: Right. And before even talking about composers they wanted me to read it and respond to it. My initial reaction to it was not positive, only because I had seen a preview for the movie A Little Princess that had come out...
Andrew: The Alfonso Cuarón one.
Brian: Oh you naughty minx.
As you can tell we didn't have to ask much to get these two rolling. There's more to the interview, and it will be published in the TheatreWorks e-newsletter, In the Works.
Click here to receive the newsletter and read the rest of the interview with the creators of our world premiere production of "A Little Princess."
Monday, August 02, 2004
Insight into Casting with Leslie Martinson
The casting process of "A Little Princess" was a different species than your usual musical casting.
Or course there were many of the usual challenges, such as ability to do dialect work and intense, physical dance, not to mention the casting of young children (many of these talented girls have traveled from the far ends of the Bay Area!)
But the unique difficulty in casting "A Little Princess" was found in its script, in that it was still evolving when auditions took place. So the greatest challenge was casting singers for solos that hadn’t been created! Fortunately, this challenge turned into an advantage once the play was cast, because solos were created or fitted to the strengths of the specific cast member.
"But we didn’t want it too individualized" said casting director, Leslie Martinson, "we wanted a musical that would hold up for many years and future productions."
TheatreWorks collaborated with Jay Binder Casting in New York and between them and their knowledge of earlier readings of the script in both Palo Alto and New York - the job was done.
In a season of premieres, casting is just another of those areas where the production and design staff get a rare chance to approach something nearly from scratch. Challenging, but exciting. Just like the 2004-2005 season!
Or course there were many of the usual challenges, such as ability to do dialect work and intense, physical dance, not to mention the casting of young children (many of these talented girls have traveled from the far ends of the Bay Area!)
But the unique difficulty in casting "A Little Princess" was found in its script, in that it was still evolving when auditions took place. So the greatest challenge was casting singers for solos that hadn’t been created! Fortunately, this challenge turned into an advantage once the play was cast, because solos were created or fitted to the strengths of the specific cast member.
"But we didn’t want it too individualized" said casting director, Leslie Martinson, "we wanted a musical that would hold up for many years and future productions."
TheatreWorks collaborated with Jay Binder Casting in New York and between them and their knowledge of earlier readings of the script in both Palo Alto and New York - the job was done.
In a season of premieres, casting is just another of those areas where the production and design staff get a rare chance to approach something nearly from scratch. Challenging, but exciting. Just like the 2004-2005 season!
