Crunch time!!!

WE OPEN IN LESS THAN TWO WEEKS!!!! Yep, 10 days... approximately 240 hours... but who's keeping track, right? :) Today will be the first time the cast rehearses with the orchestra. I have a lot of respect for the musicians. They sacrifice a lot of time and don't end up with much recognition for all their hard work. I would like to take this moment to give credit where credit is due!

First of all, the musicians that play for the GHC musicals are always top notch!! Of all the spring musicals I've attended at the Bishop Center, the orchestration has never disappointed me! They are always fantastic! This group of musicians put a lot of time and effort into sounding so good together. While the 42nd Street cast has been rehearsing at the theater these last few months, the orchestra has also been having their own rehearsals under the direction of Bob Richardson.

It's not a glamorous job - being an orchestra pit member. They're somewhat hidden from the audience - down in that pit. They share a very small space - especially after all of the instruments, chairs, and music stands are put in place. Everyone's personal space preferences are definitely pushed to the limits. Sometimes they have to deal with fog billowing off the stage and falling straight down upon them to where they can't even see their music. They never get to watch and enjoy the show from the audience. In fact, most of the musicians sit facing the audience and can't even see anything on stage. These are just a few not-so-cool elements to being a musician for a musical, and yet GHC has such a faithful, talented group of people that really enjoy volunteering their time and skills to help create an incredible show each year! I am so thankful for them and I know the entire cast of 42nd Street agrees with me!!!

In my opinion, orchestra members are some of the most selfless people and yet they are one of the most vital elements of a musical production. The live music really is the glue that creates such a magical theater experience for the audience. Often times, the audience members don't even realize how much the orchestra has carried them away into the story being told on stage. Ah, musical theater... I just love it! Tonight's rehearsal is going to be so exciting. I can't wait to hear and watch this talented group of musicians do their thing!