WOW
One of the hardest things about live theatre is that you never know when something may need an "adjustment." What I mean by this is that an actor may forget a line, and another actor may have to cover...because that line feeds the audience that important bit of information regarding who the real killer is. Or, a lighting cue may not be executed at the right time, causing the stage to not blackout correctly, and leaving the actors to fill time. Or, my favorite, the smoke alarm may go off during a performance, causing the audience to leave.
Why, you ask, am I talking about things like this? Well, over the course of the summer, the Godspell crew, has repeatedly had to make "adjustments." Every performance, every venue, they have to decide how much of the lighting rig is getting set up, how large the acting space it, how many steps there are and how all that plays into what kind of boxes they use on the set; how does all this affect the choreography and blocking of the show. When you tour, this is all part of the planning and prep work. You have to get your mind open to what may or may not be at a venue, how that affects every aspect of the show, and how you, as either a performer or a technician, can handle the inevitable curve balls that come.
The best plan is to do it with the whole company. The past few weeks, that hasn't been possible. This past week alone, the company has had to adjust the show for illnesses. In the best case scenarios, the actors would still attempt to do their part, and minimal changes are made. But, at times, people need to sit out. So, on top of all that adjusting to the new space, changing up who sings what, who plays what instrument, who says what lines or moves a piece of scenery has to be decided. Because at 7pm, the show will go on, and the audience can't know the difference.
And the best part of it all, is, because our company of Godspell is carrying some of the finest people out there, the audience doesn't know. They still are moved by the message of the play, told by talented performers and technical people, covering for their friends and colleagues who are unable to tell their part of the story. And of course, God has a big part in it as well...watching over the moves and actions of those in the space...on and off stage...performing and witnessing the production. God is shaping the message and people are hearing the wonderous story of His love for us.
I am very proud of my students. Not because they can pull off great shows, night after night...with injuries and illnesses. But because in light of difficult situations, they choose God over self. They sacrifice for the good of the message...for the one audience member who needs to hear of the joy that comes from loving a loving God. They push through pain and misery until they cannot be onstage...and when they can't they still want to be there, because they don't want to let their friends or the message down. That is why I am proud of this company.
On a side note....I was talking with my 7yr old son Conner, who is turning out to be quite the thespian these days. He has been in more theatre related events than lots of other theatre people. Anyways, he is in our current summer camp production of Music Man Jr, and he and I were discussing what show to do next summer for camp. As we looked on the list of possible shows, he noticed that there was a Jr. version of Godspell. He said that he wanted to do that show, so he could sing "God Save the People" like Dan and tell some of the same stories that he, as Jesus, tells. Folks, if you haven't already, scroll down and find the stories of where the tour folks talk about Dan and the little kids crying for Jesus and coming up after the show. If you have to pick someone to be Jesus and let the little kids come to Him, Dan is a good guy for the part. I've told our students a lot of times that I am honored to have my children growing up around some quality Christian individuals...but when a 7yr old kid acknowledges it in the person, then you know its got to be true. Dan, buddy...thanks. Thanks for being Dan and modeling Christ to my son.
OK, I think that's enough for now. Only 2 weeks left of the show. Go see it. Again if you have to. You will not be sorry.
God Bless.
Mike
Why, you ask, am I talking about things like this? Well, over the course of the summer, the Godspell crew, has repeatedly had to make "adjustments." Every performance, every venue, they have to decide how much of the lighting rig is getting set up, how large the acting space it, how many steps there are and how all that plays into what kind of boxes they use on the set; how does all this affect the choreography and blocking of the show. When you tour, this is all part of the planning and prep work. You have to get your mind open to what may or may not be at a venue, how that affects every aspect of the show, and how you, as either a performer or a technician, can handle the inevitable curve balls that come.
The best plan is to do it with the whole company. The past few weeks, that hasn't been possible. This past week alone, the company has had to adjust the show for illnesses. In the best case scenarios, the actors would still attempt to do their part, and minimal changes are made. But, at times, people need to sit out. So, on top of all that adjusting to the new space, changing up who sings what, who plays what instrument, who says what lines or moves a piece of scenery has to be decided. Because at 7pm, the show will go on, and the audience can't know the difference.
And the best part of it all, is, because our company of Godspell is carrying some of the finest people out there, the audience doesn't know. They still are moved by the message of the play, told by talented performers and technical people, covering for their friends and colleagues who are unable to tell their part of the story. And of course, God has a big part in it as well...watching over the moves and actions of those in the space...on and off stage...performing and witnessing the production. God is shaping the message and people are hearing the wonderous story of His love for us.
I am very proud of my students. Not because they can pull off great shows, night after night...with injuries and illnesses. But because in light of difficult situations, they choose God over self. They sacrifice for the good of the message...for the one audience member who needs to hear of the joy that comes from loving a loving God. They push through pain and misery until they cannot be onstage...and when they can't they still want to be there, because they don't want to let their friends or the message down. That is why I am proud of this company.
On a side note....I was talking with my 7yr old son Conner, who is turning out to be quite the thespian these days. He has been in more theatre related events than lots of other theatre people. Anyways, he is in our current summer camp production of Music Man Jr, and he and I were discussing what show to do next summer for camp. As we looked on the list of possible shows, he noticed that there was a Jr. version of Godspell. He said that he wanted to do that show, so he could sing "God Save the People" like Dan and tell some of the same stories that he, as Jesus, tells. Folks, if you haven't already, scroll down and find the stories of where the tour folks talk about Dan and the little kids crying for Jesus and coming up after the show. If you have to pick someone to be Jesus and let the little kids come to Him, Dan is a good guy for the part. I've told our students a lot of times that I am honored to have my children growing up around some quality Christian individuals...but when a 7yr old kid acknowledges it in the person, then you know its got to be true. Dan, buddy...thanks. Thanks for being Dan and modeling Christ to my son.
OK, I think that's enough for now. Only 2 weeks left of the show. Go see it. Again if you have to. You will not be sorry.
God Bless.
Mike
posted by Anonymous at 1:39 PM
3 Comments:
they did a great job last Thursday under very trying circumstances! These young people are awesome! Yay, God!! Blessings on the rest of your performances, on your awesome summer team, & those who attend! Jeff's mom
Took your advice and saw the show a second time on July 22 in Huntington...actually this is the 5th or 6th time over the years we have seen Godspell and have enjoyed it everytime. Have a request...is it possible to get a list of which cast member sang which song on July 22...hoping to be able to picture your cast as we listen to the CD on many future occasions and enjoy the memories of tonight. Thanks!
Mike, and the all of the cast for that matter:
I agree two-fold. I saw the Emmanuel Community Church production, as you know. What an incredible job of being flexible and making it work! I was totally impressed with the fact that even though the cast was minus two of its MAJOR players, the show still went on and an amazing performance was given!
And secondly, I'd also like to give a little shout out to my man Daniel. What an honor it is for me to be a part of the duo known as Dandy. You're pretty much amazing at life my friend and I love you a whole lot.
Okay, enough sentimentality. I'm finished with my mini-novel. Finish strong friends!
Andrew Tyler
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