May 31, 2022
Rock of Ages closed Sunday night with a triumphant shred on guitar by Dan Peters (of our in-house band conducted by Kara Kesselring) – what a euphoric finish! On the crest of a wave of now legendary indomitable spirit, Paramount’s production played like a tsunami of unity as its grand finale had everyone on their feet singing together and clapping along in sync: “Don’t Stop Believin’,” Journey’s timeless rock anthem from their 1981 album Escape.
“Escape.” The very word Amber Mak uttered to me walking by her side, “This is what we need right now.” And it’s what Amber and her team put their collective heart into, mission accomplished! Heading out, not wanting it to end, I bowed to a trio of the show’s collaborators standing together: Director & Co-Choreographer Amber, Co-Choregrapher Annie Jo Fischer, and Associate Director Sara Reinecke. There’s no way to thank them and this rockstar cast, crew, and design team enough for the heavy metal tonic the show has been during these challenging times – the shot in the arm for which we all agree, “Gimme a booster!”
At this morning’s production meeting for the Broadway Series’ The Sound of Music, I’m sitting across from Amber who is going right into preproduction as Director and marveling at her speaking to the complexities beneath the surface of this very enduring and populist Golden Age musical. Riding that wave of Rock of Ages, Scenic Designer Jeff Kmiec and Costume Designer Theresa Ham return eloquently addressing the challenges of this epic masterwork and their distinctive creative process for it. There is resounding relevance for audiences to discover in this historical fiction representation based on the real-life origin of The Trapp Family Singers!
The Bold Series’ Hand to God completes tech rehearsals this afternoon into tomorrow’s final preview matinee and then, a SOLD OUT Press Opening Night tomorrow night! (Thursday night is SOLD OUT as well!) Director Trent Stork has fashioned an artful albeit raucous ride, foulmouthed, horrific, and hilarious. Every time I’ve seen it, I laugh so hard like it’s the first time! In the new Copley Theatre, this expert cast is not to be missed in this absurdist theatrical satire preview audiences for the most part had no idea even existed. Discovery is what adventurous theatre is all about!
Landree Fleming and I are making gains on preproduction for Bold’s summer musical venture, Fun Home, as Co-Directors working with Choreographer Ariel Triunfo (zooming with us from the road on tour in Summer: The Donna Summer Musical) and Scenic Designer, Yeaji Kim. We’re in the throes of casting with Casting Director Trent Stork and Music Director Kory Danielson, racing with the clock as rehearsals begin July 5th!
Keep safe and healthy, and a good thought for all!
Love & Thanks!
Jim
he/him
