8th grade cast members
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Bye Bye Birdie MS Musical 09
we're almost there!
It's been a while since I wrote a blog but I thought I'd fill you in on how things are going. Last night we completed the whole run through of the show for the first time. We were tired afterwards but it was fun. It looks like we might actually have a real show on our hands. I feel so grateful for the hard work and talent of the kids here at Holland Hall Middle School. Additionally, we have received lots and lots of extra help from some terrific adults. Mr. Ely, our tech director and Mr. Sweeney our set designer and stage manager are working really hard to make this a great looking show. Mrs. Hart has been working very hard with the musicians including Mr. Bicknell, Mr. Bibens, Mr. McPherson and Mr. Spencer who sing on stage in a quartet. Mr. Neil has been coaching the kids and Mrs. Shank and Mrs. LeDoux have been getting the rest of the music whipped into shape. Mrs. Rao has been working late nights on the program and t-shirts and Mrs. Lohrey has been collecting props. Also Mrs. Nelson has been handling tickets. I am especially grateful to Mrs. Crater for coordinating all the behind the scenes things that nobody notices until they're missing. Finally, I want to thank all the parents who bring snacks, costume pieces, monitor kids, help with anything that requires assistance. I know I might be leaving someone out but suffice it to say, we are all blessed to have such great parents and other adults who care that these kids have the best experience possible and make a memory that will last.
And now... more pictures!
professional pix!
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Apples are good for you!
Singing and Dancing
We're singing and dancing now and we have a terrific new schedule. Check this blog as well as the Bye Bye Birdie website for the new rehearsal schedule. It's the same as far as dates and times of rehearsal but this schedule is a whole lot more specific about what we will be rehearsing when. It will help you know what to be ready to do when you come to rehearsal. Also, thanks to the parents who have come to be our monitors and snack folks. A big debt of gratitude goes out to Wes Vrooman's mom and Johnny Crater's mom for keeping us organized. Also thanks to Julia Hart's mom for her help with patron packages and to Kathlyn Farmer's mom for help with the email list. There are four adults joining the cast soon. They are Mr. Hart, Mr. Bibens, Mr. Johnson and Mr. Bicknell. They'll be a fun addition along with our 4th and 5th grade cast members who join us November 18th!
rehearsal
We had a terrific rehearsal yesterday and the cast members are working to begin the memorization process. Take a look at these enthusiastic young actors!
Rehearsals
It's been quite some time since we auditioned for the Middle School musical. It seems like the time has passed quickly. In the last several weeks a lot has happened. Ms. Joyce-Dyer has had to bow out of her role as choreographer due to a serious injury to her achilles tendon. Her surgery went well and we are glad to see her in the Walter Arts Center halls even if she is on crutches! Mrs. Shank has been assisting Mrs. LeDoux with music rehearsals. All the kids are picking up the music very quickly. Deb Crater and Vicki Vrooman have taken on the formidable task of organizing our parents into a volunteer force to rival the Special Forces. Some kids have chosen to drop out due to other commitments and that created some changes in the casting. Taylor Neill is now in the role of Penelope and Lily Razden is the Mayor's Wife. While we work to solve the dance dilemma, I noticed something really exciting. Several of the kids are getting into the mood of the play by renting the movies and talking with their grandparents about the fashion and culture of 1963. Encourage your young actor to do a little research. For instance, one student was surprised to see the telephones from the era and another thought the clothes were "kinda cute." Hairstyles are another matter. Look for the cast page on the web site as well as other information by surfing to
Bye Bye Birdie auditions
Mrs. LeDoux, Mrs. Dyer and I have been enjoying the opportunity to see all the great talent at Holland Hall these last three days. Today we'll see a few people we haven't yet seen and get clear about how our cast will fit together. Many of you have asked, "What does it mean to get a 'callback'?" It is different for different directors. For me it is an opportunity to see people read in combinations I haven't yet seen or to see a little more from kids I may have only heard once. If you are not called back it does not mean you won't be cast. It simply means I have a good idea how I want to use you in the show. Some people will be featured as dancers, others will have solos and still other will have a few lines. There are only a few principal roles in any big show. Luckily, many of you have opportunities ahead of you ere in the Middle School, the Upper School or productions outside of Holland Hall to spread your wings. I encourage anyone who loves theatre to keep doing it! Even if it doesn't end up being a career choice, everyone who stands on stage in front of a captive audience learns some important lessons. The cast list for Bye Bye Birdie will be posted outside my room at 3:15 Friday. I will also post it here in the blog so if you miss the chance to see it at school you can check it here.
Break a leg, everyone!
Break a leg, everyone!