Sheena Laird counts down the final days of rehearsal as we prepare to open next Thursday. Sheena choreographed all of the musical numbers and plays one of the twelve maids in 'The Penelopiad.'
You guys, it’s here! We’re one week out from opening the show! I love first run throughs: a combined sensation of “Wait, where am I supposed to be now?”, “Yes! my favorite part’s coming up” and “Wow, that went fast!”. Months of hard work finally come together and as the show lifts from the pages it finally becomes ours.
It’s been so enjoyable to see cast members’ talents highlighted in the rehearsal process and featured in the show. We have so many musically talented cast members who play instruments and sing beautifully, incredible dancers, powerful actors and because we were encouraged to play with these talents during the rehearsal process, they were able to shape our show in a really beautiful way.
In most musicals of which I’ve been a part, the notes on the page are the song we sing and that’s that. But with Josh’s trust and openness he allowed us to explore harmonies (and even melodies) within the music he created for us. The music that resulted with the vocal and musical talent of the group with Josh’s guidance is something of which we can all feel a part.
Similarly for movement; everyone’s ideas were welcome. So by combining the ideas of movers and dancers alike some really attractive shapes took place and dances evolved. We took inspiration from images, dances, photos and videos from innovators like Isadora Duncan, Margaret Morris and Pina Bausch and worked with each other to create the visual elements of our show. Our characters began moving in new ways the deepened our connection with them and a cool bonding among the cast developed.
You guys, it’s here! We’re one week out from opening the show! I love first run throughs: a combined sensation of “Wait, where am I supposed to be now?”, “Yes! my favorite part’s coming up” and “Wow, that went fast!”. Months of hard work finally come together and as the show lifts from the pages it finally becomes ours.
It’s been so enjoyable to see cast members’ talents highlighted in the rehearsal process and featured in the show. We have so many musically talented cast members who play instruments and sing beautifully, incredible dancers, powerful actors and because we were encouraged to play with these talents during the rehearsal process, they were able to shape our show in a really beautiful way.
In most musicals of which I’ve been a part, the notes on the page are the song we sing and that’s that. But with Josh’s trust and openness he allowed us to explore harmonies (and even melodies) within the music he created for us. The music that resulted with the vocal and musical talent of the group with Josh’s guidance is something of which we can all feel a part.
Similarly for movement; everyone’s ideas were welcome. So by combining the ideas of movers and dancers alike some really attractive shapes took place and dances evolved. We took inspiration from images, dances, photos and videos from innovators like Isadora Duncan, Margaret Morris and Pina Bausch and worked with each other to create the visual elements of our show. Our characters began moving in new ways the deepened our connection with them and a cool bonding among the cast developed.
So when our pieces started coming together under Erica’s direction, and exciting energy filled my bones. The ideas of the cast and the creative team were all working together. And with this emerging product develops a kinship amongst the cast that is one of my favorite parts of the creative process. And we all get to perform something of which we are very proud. Something we’ve all left our mark on.
As we head in to tech week and opening our show I think each of us takes with them one little piece of the performance of which we’re especially proud. That little stamp we’ve given to something much larger.
I’m so excited to perform this show. I’m eager to showcase what the group has created and to add the last and most magical piece of any performance: the audience. For they, too, bring something to each performance. Each audience will bring their own knowledge, experiences, strengths and truths which will inform how the respond to, absorb and interact with the show. So they, too, will leave their stamp on each show. And that’s what’s so neat about live theater: everyone’s involved in the story telling. For if a story is told to an empty room, could it be considered an echo of an echo of an echo?
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Sheena is so excited to have worked with Erica and this amazing group on The Penelopiad. Other credits include the recently re-named sketch group, Unlikely Company, Disney Cruise Line, Scribble Bibble, The One-Minute Play Festival, Chicago Women's Funny Festival, The Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival, and choreography for many Club Meds throughout the Caribbean. Sheena is grateful for the support of her family and friends!
As we head in to tech week and opening our show I think each of us takes with them one little piece of the performance of which we’re especially proud. That little stamp we’ve given to something much larger.
I’m so excited to perform this show. I’m eager to showcase what the group has created and to add the last and most magical piece of any performance: the audience. For they, too, bring something to each performance. Each audience will bring their own knowledge, experiences, strengths and truths which will inform how the respond to, absorb and interact with the show. So they, too, will leave their stamp on each show. And that’s what’s so neat about live theater: everyone’s involved in the story telling. For if a story is told to an empty room, could it be considered an echo of an echo of an echo?
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Sheena is so excited to have worked with Erica and this amazing group on The Penelopiad. Other credits include the recently re-named sketch group, Unlikely Company, Disney Cruise Line, Scribble Bibble, The One-Minute Play Festival, Chicago Women's Funny Festival, The Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival, and choreography for many Club Meds throughout the Caribbean. Sheena is grateful for the support of her family and friends!