As some one who was not a part of the original production of 'The Penelopiad' and was unable to see the first incarnation of the show, there were quite a few nerves stepping into the world of the play. I diligently studied this blog to find clues of what would lay ahead (thanks Erica for the photos and entries) and created my idea of what was to come - Ballet classes! Movement workshops! Musical creations! ALL OF THE GREEK KNOWLEDGE! All the glorious time to create!!!
Needless to say, my mind tricked me to forget we only had two weeks until opening until midway through the second rehearsal. Remounts are a very different beast.
In one way, it is terrifying to be a newbie in an ensemble who has such a history of the work. So many helpful tidbits are being relayed of what happened during the first round that you struggle to marry every last thing you're hearing at once. Word of warning: this may cause feelings of panic and reactions of kicking yourself about why you weren't able to see into the future to tell your old self to go watch the play you had no idea was happening last summer.
Needless to say, my mind tricked me to forget we only had two weeks until opening until midway through the second rehearsal. Remounts are a very different beast.
In one way, it is terrifying to be a newbie in an ensemble who has such a history of the work. So many helpful tidbits are being relayed of what happened during the first round that you struggle to marry every last thing you're hearing at once. Word of warning: this may cause feelings of panic and reactions of kicking yourself about why you weren't able to see into the future to tell your old self to go watch the play you had no idea was happening last summer.
But there comes a moment when you flip to the other side. When you find peace in the ignorance that you can't compete with the past production, because for you, there is only this one. Even more, you're lucky because since so many of the other actors have that history with their characters it gives you the ability to make snap choices and gut responses. You have the glorious opportunity to just react with what you're seeing and receiving, because there's no time to think about your choices - you open in four days!
When we opened three Monday's ago, of course there were nerves, but as I sat curled up in the stage manager's box I felt completely at peace. I knew despite what little time there had been to get 'The Penelopiad' to that night, we all were connected to protect each other and to play with the choices we received from one another. In just a short time we had built a trusting ensemble of new and old players - and what a glorious ride it has been!!
Grayson Heyl is thrilled to be joining the Lost Geneva Project family with this reincarnation of The Penelopiad! Since receiving her degree from Oklahoma City University in Music Theatre and Vocal Performance, she has worked with Oklahoma Shakespeare in the parks (Henry V, Macbeth), Montana Shakespeare in the Parks (Henry V, The Recruiting Officer), Northlight Theatre (Tom Jones), Light Opera Works (Damn Yankees), and most recently with Oracle Theatre (The Jungle) and Piccolo Theatre (The Love of Three Oranges). Many thanks to LGP for this wonderful opportunity, as well as her family and friends for all their love.