Opening night went pretty well. Surprisingly, I wasn’t too nervous, but I think that has something to do with the fact that I ease into the show; my first difficult scene (The Accompanist) is after a few easy ones. Don’t Bug Me, originally my least enjoyable song is now the highlight of the show for me, and I feel it’s when I get really comfortable.
We had a few surprise guest members including Phillip and a bunch of his friends. This morning I am off to do a radio plug for the show, then a matinee performance which I expect will be quiet, but tonight Becky and the crew are coming to see the show which will be exciting. Becky is down from Brisbane for just a few days and luckily it coincides with the show. Lucky for whom!
It was interesting to note the ‘leading player syndrome’ at play yet again, something I learnt about many years ago when I filled in for a lead role opening night due to illness then went back to my chorus role for the rest of the shows. It seems when you’re the leading character everyone wants to speak to you and congratulate you (even calling you by your character name), but when you’re a chorus member, no one cares. I did receive some very nice comments from all sorts of people I had never met before, and we were mostly smart enough to go home after the show and rest (particularly since I had been going since 6.15 that morning), before another two shows today.
The opening night was great Tyson! Well worth the trip from Melbourne.
My favourite part was definitely the breaking of real glass in front of you and your piano playing…. the parts where you really were playing.
I was really impressed by the whole show. Well done!
Phillip
Sounds like a successful opening night. Hope the remainder of the shows go just as well.
Phillip- Thanks! It’s nice to know the real stars of the show are the mistakes.
Kevin – Thanks, I hope they do too!