The actor's nightmare
Jan. 20th, 2005 01:23 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
jaalaOne of the ensemble members (B) was unable to perform tonight because he was seriously ill. An unfortunate turn of events, but to make things worse he decided he couldn't do the show only this very evening. When I arrived at the theatre half an hour ahead of the orchestra call time, the choreographer was in the process of teaching the vocal director (C) the choreography he would have to cover: two major production numbers and two smaller dances, often in the front row, including tap dancing and partnering/lifting a girl. He also had to cover several solo vocal lines (though he obviously already knew the music itself) and a brief dialogue with two main characters. And other cast members had to decide who would move set pieces normally moved by B. Then we ran the production numbers, adding (untuned) instruments as the orchestra arrived.
Then the show proceeded, although ten minutes later than usual and with a considerably shortened orchestra warm-up. C did very well, especially considering that he learned his part in about an hour. His characterization was suitably idiotic enough to cover up any minor mistakes. The rest of the cast reminded him of cues and helped nudge him around on stage. It amazes me that he managed to stay cool, collected, and pleasant under such circumstances while a lot of other people were spazzing out. A few minor aspects of the performance were a bit off--most notably, the male lead started "They Can't Take That Away From Me" [1] in the wrong key (which has never happened before)--but it was still a solid performance and the changes did at least keep us from feeling complacent.
[1] He corrected it almost instantly after the orchestra entered though.
B cares a lot about the show and I know he wouldn't be deliberately inconsiderate. My only conclusion can be that he honestly thought he'd be able to make it to the show tonight until the last minute. I'm puzzled by his actions and therefore worried about him. He's going to have such a tough time when/if he returns.
* * *
In other news, my massage therapist finked out on me today. Well, actually she was sick; I can't blame her for that being sick the day of my appointment. But she's leaving the clinic as well, a fact of which I had not been informed, and my options for make-up appointments this week were severely limited. I'm supposed to (and need to) receive these treatments once a week and I haven't been since late November. After playing shows last week and starting to rebuild my oboe chops this week, my back and shoulders are extremely sore. I exceeded the recommended dosage of Extra Strength Motrin and wore my back brace during a performance for the first time today. My playing sounded passable at least but it was a heck of a lot of effort to get my body to function.
* * *
Prompted by a mention of Tchaikovsky, we had an impromptu group discussion about religions' views of homosexuality in Keyboard Harmony class today. It may have gone on for a good five minutes. The professor condoned and even participated in this conversation, I might add.
Then the show proceeded, although ten minutes later than usual and with a considerably shortened orchestra warm-up. C did very well, especially considering that he learned his part in about an hour. His characterization was suitably idiotic enough to cover up any minor mistakes. The rest of the cast reminded him of cues and helped nudge him around on stage. It amazes me that he managed to stay cool, collected, and pleasant under such circumstances while a lot of other people were spazzing out. A few minor aspects of the performance were a bit off--most notably, the male lead started "They Can't Take That Away From Me" [1] in the wrong key (which has never happened before)--but it was still a solid performance and the changes did at least keep us from feeling complacent.
[1] He corrected it almost instantly after the orchestra entered though.
B cares a lot about the show and I know he wouldn't be deliberately inconsiderate. My only conclusion can be that he honestly thought he'd be able to make it to the show tonight until the last minute. I'm puzzled by his actions and therefore worried about him. He's going to have such a tough time when/if he returns.
* * *
In other news, my massage therapist finked out on me today. Well, actually she was sick; I can't blame her for that being sick the day of my appointment. But she's leaving the clinic as well, a fact of which I had not been informed, and my options for make-up appointments this week were severely limited. I'm supposed to (and need to) receive these treatments once a week and I haven't been since late November. After playing shows last week and starting to rebuild my oboe chops this week, my back and shoulders are extremely sore. I exceeded the recommended dosage of Extra Strength Motrin and wore my back brace during a performance for the first time today. My playing sounded passable at least but it was a heck of a lot of effort to get my body to function.
* * *
Prompted by a mention of Tchaikovsky, we had an impromptu group discussion about religions' views of homosexuality in Keyboard Harmony class today. It may have gone on for a good five minutes. The professor condoned and even participated in this conversation, I might add.
