So - it's been nearly a month since my last blog update - and without spending time writing ream after ream of excuses about why I haven't posted, I'll just say it, I'm just lazy! Happy now?! :-)
Actually, I've been about as far away from lazy as I've ever been. Rehearsals are well under way - 2 a week since the end of July, so that's 10 now in total and we're rocking through the singing, dancing and acting with some truly wonderful moments glistening through the seedling performances.
Tonight was our first chance to 'Keep It Gay', and although Hollie (choreographer) was absent due to sickness we ploughed on, initially note bashing the song for Roger and his team with Steve (MD) and Martin (rehearsal pianist), and then setting the scene from a blocking point of view - before running them together a few times to get the cast familiar with their moves and characters.
That's the way I like working best - people enjoy (I think) learning songs (at least that's what I've always found in the past). Musical actors always seem more comfortable going into a song and busking the movement if they've spent an hour singing it - rather than setting a series of movements which they then have to tie in with learning the notes... It's also is a chance for them to develop some movement on their own before I come along and stick my oar in!
Matt, who's playing Carmen, is (by his own admission) our least experienced cast member (in terms of previous 'exposure' on stage) - but with this role he's really having to step up to the mark - and he's doing a marvellous job. Although Matt's naturally a showoff, and so is Carmen, putting the two together and getting one character is tougher than you'd first imagine - but he's gonna do a great job of it - I might even get hold of the pink pinny I'm forcing him to wear to help him slip into character... either that or expose him to hours and hours of Judy Garland and Steps :-)
Sadly we've lost one of our (already limited) male cast, so that's made an incredibly delicate balancing act with chorus members even trickier - I might end up being in the show yet... And that's not through some egotistical need to perform in everything I'm involved in (I stayed off stage for my musical directorial debut) - but a realistic need to have another male on stage in this scene... If I don't, it ruins the gag about Roger having one 'token' woman in his team.
Anyway, I'm learning the part for the time being so we'll see what happens!
In other good news, promotion of the show is underway, and hopefully we'll be getting some support from the wider local press in the coming weeks, which fingers crossed will only be a boost ticket sales! And keep your eyes out for us in your local supermarket soon!!!!
LAMPS has been performing musicals in Tonbridge & Southborough since its formation in 1926. Come and see their latest production of Mel Brooks' The Producers at the Victoria Hall Southborough, 25-29th October 2011.
Tuesday, 23 August 2011
Thursday, 21 July 2011
First Rehearsal
Tonight was our first rehearsal - and normally we would do a full read-through of the script with the cast - but for a couple of reasons (some of the cast were missing, our MD is away for a fortnight during August and wants to make use of the first few rehearsal slots for singing, and we had a TV researcher along to do some filming) I decided to get the cast to learn the opening number (both singing and dancing).
Steve (the Musical Director) got them off to a flying start - 'Opening Night' as it's called, is a quick paced song which is supposed to be a little bit shocking (and set the tone for the rest of the show). Lines like 'We've seen shit, but never like this' are delivered cleanly and sharply - adding punch to the fact that they all hated the show they've just been watching!
The cast all seemed to enjoy the rehearsal (always a good start) so lets hope we can keep up the energy over the next three months!
Hollie then began the lengthy task of setting the number. Obviously after only spending a short amount of time moving, the song is bound to need a lot of tweaking over the next few weeks, but it's always nice to see the formation of what will become the opening of our show - exciting times! :-)
The other important thing to mention is we had the lovely Kimberley filming the rehearsal this evening - she's a researcher for a (proposed) TV documentary series looking at amateur theatre across the UK. Potentially this is a very exciting opportunity for LAMPS, helping to raise our profile and perhaps get some advice on the trickier areas of producing a show like this… Sadie, June, Alison, Brian, Leslie and The Rayners' were all in attendance to help flesh out our spread of new and old members, active and in the background - and think we did ourselves proud. Let's hope we see a lot more of them in the future!
One rehearsal down, 30 to go! No pressure!
Twitter: @LAMPSTheatre
Steve (the Musical Director) got them off to a flying start - 'Opening Night' as it's called, is a quick paced song which is supposed to be a little bit shocking (and set the tone for the rest of the show). Lines like 'We've seen shit, but never like this' are delivered cleanly and sharply - adding punch to the fact that they all hated the show they've just been watching!
The cast all seemed to enjoy the rehearsal (always a good start) so lets hope we can keep up the energy over the next three months!
Hollie then began the lengthy task of setting the number. Obviously after only spending a short amount of time moving, the song is bound to need a lot of tweaking over the next few weeks, but it's always nice to see the formation of what will become the opening of our show - exciting times! :-)
The other important thing to mention is we had the lovely Kimberley filming the rehearsal this evening - she's a researcher for a (proposed) TV documentary series looking at amateur theatre across the UK. Potentially this is a very exciting opportunity for LAMPS, helping to raise our profile and perhaps get some advice on the trickier areas of producing a show like this… Sadie, June, Alison, Brian, Leslie and The Rayners' were all in attendance to help flesh out our spread of new and old members, active and in the background - and think we did ourselves proud. Let's hope we see a lot more of them in the future!
One rehearsal down, 30 to go! No pressure!
Twitter: @LAMPSTheatre
Saturday, 9 July 2011
AUDITION INFORMATION
Auditions are finally upon us! Venue is Frant Village Hall.
Times for tomorrow (Sun 10th) are as follows.
10am: Male Auditions (dialogue, sing dance)
10.30am: Females arrive ready for 11am start
11am: Female (dialogue, sing dance)
12.30pm: Cameo Dialogue
1.30pm: Break
2.15pm: Dancers
We will be auditioning people together to help us decide how well actors work with each other, so please be prepared to hang around for a while and possibly be called back in to read again. We will endeavour to let you go as soon as we're happy we've covered all the bases.
Please don't forget money (cheques, credit cards) for LAMPS Annual membership £20, which is required before you can audition, and the show fee £50 (plus the refundable deposit cheque of £25)
See you all tomorrow and good luck!!!
Times for tomorrow (Sun 10th) are as follows.
10am: Male Auditions (dialogue, sing dance)
10.30am: Females arrive ready for 11am start
11am: Female (dialogue, sing dance)
12.30pm: Cameo Dialogue
1.30pm: Break
2.15pm: Dancers
We will be auditioning people together to help us decide how well actors work with each other, so please be prepared to hang around for a while and possibly be called back in to read again. We will endeavour to let you go as soon as we're happy we've covered all the bases.
Please don't forget money (cheques, credit cards) for LAMPS Annual membership £20, which is required before you can audition, and the show fee £50 (plus the refundable deposit cheque of £25)
See you all tomorrow and good luck!!!
Tuesday, 5 July 2011
HELP NIGHT #2 - Thurs 7th July
Just to remind everyone the second help night for 'The Producers' is on Thursday at 7.45pm
Location: St James' Church Hall, St James Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN2 3RL
If you don't know the show, it's a chance for you to come and find out what it's all about, meet the production team and ask them questions, as well as find out what roles we will be auditioning and the songs we will be asking you to sing and dance at the auditions.
Any questions or problems, drop the Director, Andrew Swann an email at andrew.swann (@) me.com
Don't forget, auditions are this Sunday in Frant Village Hall from 10am. Character Information below
Location: St James' Church Hall, St James Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN2 3RL
If you don't know the show, it's a chance for you to come and find out what it's all about, meet the production team and ask them questions, as well as find out what roles we will be auditioning and the songs we will be asking you to sing and dance at the auditions.
Any questions or problems, drop the Director, Andrew Swann an email at andrew.swann (@) me.com
Don't forget, auditions are this Sunday in Frant Village Hall from 10am. Character Information below
Audition Information
PRODUCTION TEAM
Director: Andrew Swann
Musical Director: Steve Rhind
Choreographer: Hollie Greenaway
Producer: Hayley McMechan
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
AUDITION DATE: Sunday 10th July, from 10am. Frant Village Hall
RECALLS: Thursday 14th July
REHEARSALS BEGIN: 21st July, 7.45pm
Any question, problems or for copies of the audition pieces please call the director on 07759 965 068 or email at andrew.swann (@) me.com
Please remember LAMPS have a standard policy that you must be a member of the society before you can audition... You can do this at the audition (bring a cheque book or credit card with you) or you can email: membership@lamps.org.uk
If you are interested in the cameo roles there will be an audition piece so we can get an idea of where we would like to cast you.
Follow us on Twitter:@LAMPSTheatre
LEAD CHARACTERS
Max Bialystock (M) 35-45
A failing Broadway producer who will do anything (to practically anyone) in order to survive. He is washed up, despite claiming to once have been ‘The King of Boadway’ having produced a string of flops that don’t make it past the first night. He is the power, energy and driving force behind the scheme to make money out of a flop. Energetic, with fire and persuasive energy. Comic timing
Leopold Bloom (M) 25-35
A meek, nervous but intelligent accountant with ideas of becoming a Broadway producer. He is initially intimidated by Max but soon becomes intrigued at the thought of achieving his dream, quits his job and joins Max in their search for a flop (which will ultimately make them enough money to live the high life in Rio). Leo has an important journey, from meek and mild - uneasy in his own skin, to showbiz producer! So must be able to show great diversity. Comic timing.
Roger DeBris (M) 40-60
A gay director (considered by Max to be the worst of the worst) who is asked to direct ‘Springtime for Hitler’. He is initially hesitant about the show, fearing it is too serious, but after consulting with his production team - all gay caricatures - he agrees. The producers hope his bad taste ideas are sure to make STFH a flop. He ends up replacing Liebkind to play the lead role of Adolf Hitler - turning him into a gay dictator! Flamboyant, over the top comedy part with power and determination.
Franz Liebkind (M) 30-50
A Nazi living in the USA - he has written a play about his hero, Adolf Hitler. Bialystock and Bloom discover his script during their search for the worst play ever written and decide they want to produce it. After a lengthy audition process, the producers realise that Liebkind is the perfect choice to star as Hitler in their musical - but he breaks his leg before the curtain rises and has to be replaced by DeBris. Strong, rigid, suspicious and yet with a child-like excitement.
Carmen Ghia (M) 21-35
Roger’s ‘common-law assistant’ is as openly camp (and much more so) than Roger. He helps interpret Rogers more whacky ideas and notions during casting and production o the show. Carmen is a man who screams gay pride with every ounce of his body. Effeminate, camp, outrageous, should be able to move with grace and elegance.
Ulla (F) 18-30
A Swedish actress looking for her big break. Heavily accented, she is both vacuous and intelligent, a blonde bombshell obsessed with herrings and sex. She uses all her feminine charms to get what she wants. Behaves cute and shy, perhaps even innocent but with an underlying intelligence and awareness of what she wants and how she’s going to get it!
Other Roles
There are a great deal of wonderful cameo parts in the show - a great chance for the cast to spread their wings and have a lot of fun.
MALE
Mr Marks Leo’s boss at Marx & Klein accountants. A man obsessed with money
Lead Storm Trooper (Needs to be able to hit top A flat - a juicy show stopping role in one ginormous number)
Jack, Donald, Jason Auditionees for the role of Adolf Hitler
Bryan (Set Designer), Kevin (Costume Designer), Scott (Choreographer) DeBris’ gay production team.
Accountants, Blind Violinist, Audience Members, Nazi Stormtroopers, Bum, Workman, Street Cleaner, Convicts, Cops & Convicts.
FEMALE
Hold Me Touch Me A deliciously randy old lady who along side Kiss Me Feel Me, Clinch Me Pinch Me, Lick Me Bite Me and many others make up the group of Little Old Ladies who Max ‘persuades’ to fund his shows through any means possible.
Shirley A lesbian - with low masculine voice - who has found her way onto DeBris’ team.
Little Old Ladies, Usherettes, Chorus Girls (in various numbers), Nuns, Audience Members, Nazi Stormtroopers, Bag Lady, Nazi Pigeons, Girl Prisoners.
Director: Andrew Swann
Musical Director: Steve Rhind
Choreographer: Hollie Greenaway
Producer: Hayley McMechan
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
AUDITION DATE: Sunday 10th July, from 10am. Frant Village Hall
RECALLS: Thursday 14th July
REHEARSALS BEGIN: 21st July, 7.45pm
Any question, problems or for copies of the audition pieces please call the director on 07759 965 068 or email at andrew.swann (@) me.com
Please remember LAMPS have a standard policy that you must be a member of the society before you can audition... You can do this at the audition (bring a cheque book or credit card with you) or you can email: membership@lamps.org.uk
If you are interested in the cameo roles there will be an audition piece so we can get an idea of where we would like to cast you.
Follow us on Twitter:@LAMPSTheatre
LEAD CHARACTERS
Max Bialystock (M) 35-45
A failing Broadway producer who will do anything (to practically anyone) in order to survive. He is washed up, despite claiming to once have been ‘The King of Boadway’ having produced a string of flops that don’t make it past the first night. He is the power, energy and driving force behind the scheme to make money out of a flop. Energetic, with fire and persuasive energy. Comic timing
Leopold Bloom (M) 25-35
A meek, nervous but intelligent accountant with ideas of becoming a Broadway producer. He is initially intimidated by Max but soon becomes intrigued at the thought of achieving his dream, quits his job and joins Max in their search for a flop (which will ultimately make them enough money to live the high life in Rio). Leo has an important journey, from meek and mild - uneasy in his own skin, to showbiz producer! So must be able to show great diversity. Comic timing.
Roger DeBris (M) 40-60
A gay director (considered by Max to be the worst of the worst) who is asked to direct ‘Springtime for Hitler’. He is initially hesitant about the show, fearing it is too serious, but after consulting with his production team - all gay caricatures - he agrees. The producers hope his bad taste ideas are sure to make STFH a flop. He ends up replacing Liebkind to play the lead role of Adolf Hitler - turning him into a gay dictator! Flamboyant, over the top comedy part with power and determination.
Franz Liebkind (M) 30-50
A Nazi living in the USA - he has written a play about his hero, Adolf Hitler. Bialystock and Bloom discover his script during their search for the worst play ever written and decide they want to produce it. After a lengthy audition process, the producers realise that Liebkind is the perfect choice to star as Hitler in their musical - but he breaks his leg before the curtain rises and has to be replaced by DeBris. Strong, rigid, suspicious and yet with a child-like excitement.
Carmen Ghia (M) 21-35
Roger’s ‘common-law assistant’ is as openly camp (and much more so) than Roger. He helps interpret Rogers more whacky ideas and notions during casting and production o the show. Carmen is a man who screams gay pride with every ounce of his body. Effeminate, camp, outrageous, should be able to move with grace and elegance.
Ulla (F) 18-30
A Swedish actress looking for her big break. Heavily accented, she is both vacuous and intelligent, a blonde bombshell obsessed with herrings and sex. She uses all her feminine charms to get what she wants. Behaves cute and shy, perhaps even innocent but with an underlying intelligence and awareness of what she wants and how she’s going to get it!
Other Roles
There are a great deal of wonderful cameo parts in the show - a great chance for the cast to spread their wings and have a lot of fun.
MALE
Mr Marks Leo’s boss at Marx & Klein accountants. A man obsessed with money
Lead Storm Trooper (Needs to be able to hit top A flat - a juicy show stopping role in one ginormous number)
Jack, Donald, Jason Auditionees for the role of Adolf Hitler
Bryan (Set Designer), Kevin (Costume Designer), Scott (Choreographer) DeBris’ gay production team.
Accountants, Blind Violinist, Audience Members, Nazi Stormtroopers, Bum, Workman, Street Cleaner, Convicts, Cops & Convicts.
FEMALE
Hold Me Touch Me A deliciously randy old lady who along side Kiss Me Feel Me, Clinch Me Pinch Me, Lick Me Bite Me and many others make up the group of Little Old Ladies who Max ‘persuades’ to fund his shows through any means possible.
Shirley A lesbian - with low masculine voice - who has found her way onto DeBris’ team.
Little Old Ladies, Usherettes, Chorus Girls (in various numbers), Nuns, Audience Members, Nazi Stormtroopers, Bag Lady, Nazi Pigeons, Girl Prisoners.
Tuesday, 28 June 2011
HELP NIGHT'S TONIGHT!!!
Just to remind everyone the first help night for 'The Producers' is tonight at 7.45pm
Location: Tonbridge Juddians Rugby Club, The Slade, Tonbridge TN9 1HR
If you don't know the show, it's a chance for you to come and find out what it's all about, meet the production team and ask them questions, as well as find out what roles we will be auditioning and the songs we will be asking you to sing and dance at the auditions.
Any questions or problems, drop the Director, Andrew Swann an email at andrew.swann (@) me.com
If you can't make this help night we have another chance for you on Thursday 7th July at St James' Church Hall, Tunbridge Wells
Location: Tonbridge Juddians Rugby Club, The Slade, Tonbridge TN9 1HR
If you don't know the show, it's a chance for you to come and find out what it's all about, meet the production team and ask them questions, as well as find out what roles we will be auditioning and the songs we will be asking you to sing and dance at the auditions.
Any questions or problems, drop the Director, Andrew Swann an email at andrew.swann (@) me.com
If you can't make this help night we have another chance for you on Thursday 7th July at St James' Church Hall, Tunbridge Wells
Saturday, 25 June 2011
Video!
This was recorded several months ago, but you might as well see it seeing as I've recorded it...
http://gallery.me.com/andrew.swann#100153
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