The Alchemist

Nuvo has just posted their review of Forever Plaid and it’s a great one as well!

My favorite bits:

Michael Dotson, Don Farell (also the director/choreographer/producing artistic director), Scott Ganyo (Three Guys Naked from the Waist Down at the Alley), Jon Lambert (The Last Session at Theatre on the Square) and Jim Ream (chair of the University of Indianapolis’ Department of Theater) capture the innocence of the age to a T.

and

The four voices blend well, creating a sound that transports audiences back in time. Songs such as “Undecided” feature cute moves, and Farell is a hoot on “Perfidia.” Standout numbers include “No Not Much” and an impressive bass from Ganyo on “16 Tons.”

And tonight my parents and sister will finally see me perform after driving up from Florida! No pressure there!

But we have only 2 shows left. And I know I’m really gonna miss this one when it’s gone…

We’ve opened and closed our first week of Forever Plaid. We opened well on Wednesday and received an excellent review from the IndyStar including these complementary quotes:

…the Plaids sing like the angels they are.

and

The performance by Dotson, Farrell, Ganyo and Lambert is a tribute to the beauty of this nearly forgotten musical idiom of close-wrought vocal harmony. They bring enthusiasm, heart and soul and a harmony worthy of James Raitt’s layered arrangements, aided by Terry Woods (piano) and Don Jenkins (bass).

But since then it’s been getting increasingly better! In fact, last night we had a fabulous show and audience that ended our week with a standing ovation. Fantastic!

So, if you haven’t come yet (or even if you have) come see it next week and bring your friends! We’re closing the show Dec. 30… so get your tickets now! I can’t wait to see you there!

This is a nice article about the company I’ve been working for to perform Forever Plaid. Nicer folks you will not find…

Opening night for Forever Plaid was last night and it went well. No, not spit-polished well: There were some costume and tech issues… And of course there were minor acting incidents… like when I dropped my spoon in Catch A Falling Star, but overall it was very good. And those are minor issues that will be ironed out quickly. I’m very happy things went so well as even two days ago… well, let’s just say I wasn’t very confident. And to think about how all of this came together in just a couple of weeks… Wow.

Forever Plaid
Originally uploaded by Scott Ganyo.

I’m the fella in the glasses. Yea Smudge!

We open Wednesday! Get your tickets now! Actors Theater Of Indiana

Here are some of the other photos.

blood for oil?
Originally uploaded by o0karen0o.

This is real irony coming from the ExxonMobile company. I love it!

Well, every show has a hell week, and this one is is no different. For this one, it means that I’m staying downtown overnight at work for a couple nights. Why, you ask? I’m glad you asked! Well, I work from about 7:30p - 4:30a. Then I rehearse from 5:00p - 10:00p.

So, that means I’d get home near 11:00p. Then I’d have to get up at 6:00a. I’d get a maximum of 7 hours sleep (though actually less). I also wouldn’t really see my family anyway as they’d already be in bed at night and still be asleep in the morning when I left. And, of course, I’d be wasting gas with all that driving.

So, this way I get some rest. Which I need to ensure I can get this show done and done well. And all in all, it’s not too bad. I did it last night… and the couch isn’t completely uncomfortable. And, of course, I save a few bucks… which isn’t a bad thing either!

Sadly, I don’t have a picture… but yesterday in the Forever Plaid rehearsal I learned how to eat fire and did it twice. Cool! Except now the insides of my lips have little blisters…

I’ve been away from my post too long, so here’s a quick rundown…

I’ve started rehearsing for the Actors Theatre of Indiana’s Forever Plaid. Having never seen the show, I’ve discovered that this is a very difficult show - especially musically. But I’ve also discovered that I really, really love the show. It has fabulous music with incredible 4-part harmonic arrangements, it is absolutely hilarious, and the characters are a very lovable group of misfits living out their dreams. Fantastic! Now, I just have to get myself production-ready by next Wednesday! (Did I mention that I have to eat fire, too?)

Speaking of which, this Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday will be my hell week consisting of nothing but working and rehearsing from when I get up to when I go to bed. I’m even considering camping out at work, since I won’t really be able to see my family anyway and it would save me a couple of hours a day…

Good news, though! My parents look like they’re going to be able to make it up to see the show! I’m so happy! It will be the first show they’ve seen me in since… well, high-school. And they really couldn’t have picked a better show. They are going to love it! Sadly, I will hardly see them while they’re here with my production schedule, but at least they’ll get to see their grandkids!

Last night was the IndianaAuditions.com acting-focused bulletin board get together. Joe Urban did a wonderful job of bringing everyone together and I really enjoyed seeing both current and future friends in the arts there. Thanks, Joe!

Ok, gotta get back work…