Happy Easter!

Great job today! I do recognize your commitment to the show -- 6 hours today for most of us (10+ for lights); way to flex that theater endurance muscle!!

Is there going to be a cast party to celebrate?

Many of you will be going to church on one of the most highly attended days tommorrow. I hope you have a meaningful religious service. Remember that there's nothing wrong with sharing what's going on in your life and encouraging your friends and acquaintances to see the AMAZINGLY POWERFUL show we're putting together. You'll find that people are eager to support you and the JM community.

Speaking of powerful, let's talk about the singing. The emotional tone of the show (leaving a homeland, death, street protest, and divorce) requires a more direct singing and acting to affect the audience. When we say throw it down, it's not only for the volume but also for the vocal intensity which comes with that. Make this show yours!

Costumes. This is going to be close, but Ms. Laude always comes through. You're going to need to be assertive to make sure you're clothed.

Props. Look, just because we've been running without them doesn't mean that's okay. It means there are some things I can't do myself. Get your stuff.

Monday. The JM staff are all going to RCTC. I can't get here until 3:45 at the earliest. Take a full two hours and 15 minutes to relax (no sunburns!), then be in choir room warming up at 3:45, ready to start at 4:00. Please pass this on to others to make sure everyone knows -- especially the pit and crew who may not be checking this frequently.

Until we meet again. . .

Wistfully

Ah, a tale of two images (images number 11 + 12, actually). . . did the image really just go blue? It is on the preview. Huh.

So, whaddya think?

Wednesday PM update

All Right!! This is getting exciting!! The sound mix tonight was the best in four years (although we only had one microphone open and we stood right over it. . .). Those of you who know me are familiar with my reticence, but I'll make an exception and state that some very, very thrilling pieces are coming together. (Stela rocks!)

The posters are not getting out and they need to, especially considering how many people we want to see our show. Most posters have names written on the back of where they should go. Please look through them and grab a few to put up. Sarah B. can help you find these.

Thursday Schedule:
3:15 learn choreography for Sound of Love (Mamas through End)
3:30 student led vocal warm-ups
3:45 full run, no stops and no lines given. Meet w. Laude for costumes, build morale
5:45 ??? end run, no notes -- gasp -- as difficult as that will be for me.

Friday Schedule:
3:15 student led vocal warm-ups
3:30 full run, no stops and no lines given.
5:30 ??? end run, no notes -- gasp -- as difficult as that will be for me.

Saturday Schedule:
9:00 Either a) work on set, b) hang posters c) acquire props
12 NOON eat pizza if you were working since 9:00. Bring your own water bottle.
12:45 student led vocal warm-ups
1:00 full run, no stops and no lines given.
3:00 end run, give notes in band room, pit works sections
4:00 end rehearsal for all

Monday Schedule:
3:00 - 8:00 TBD. Either a run, then work or work the entire time

Throw it down!

Bios

Clearly, I didn't state my expectations to enough detail about the bios or photos. While these bios may be silly and fun, they are not reflective of the quality of production I have intended or the integrity you deserve.

A performance bio usually has the actor's name, character, training, past roles/performances, and special thanks. We may need to expand beyond 25 words for this to happen. Often in high school productions, parents are recognized.

For example: Thrilled about his acting debut at JM after being in 2 John Adams productions, Eric has been having fun playing on stage. He especially thanks his parents for their support and late dinners.

Another example: A familiar sight on stage after 9 JM productions, Eric has also been seen at the Civic Theater (Frankenstein, Sleeping Beauty) and Masque (All's Well That Ends Well). He is heading off to study technical theatre at Winona next fall.

We need Bio photos for:

Krishna Pundi
John Richardson
Nick Anderson
Sarah Boutcher
Joey Haddock??
Mike Latana

Photos and bios for the following:

Pit?
Running Crew?
Sound/Lights?
Laude?
Deb?

Enjoy them here because they won't be printed in the program like this. We'll talk more at practice.

Nate Ahrensfeld (Guard, chorus)- “ We were right! They’ve got enough gunpowder down there to blow up the entire city!

Madeline Allen (Rebecca)- If I had a monkey for everytime I’ve said “God of the Universe!” I’d have a lot of monkeys. Sizzle Manlizzle for life!

Olivia Allen (Chorus)- Is a freshman at JM this year. She’s thrilled to be in Theatre JM’s production of “Rags” and can’t wait for next year.

Nick Anderson (Guard/ Chorus)- I’m 18, and so for my Senior year I decided to have a little fun, therefore I’ve been in the fall play and this one

Tom Arachtinge (Nat Harris)- This is the only production I’ve acted in since “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat” in 8^th grade. Shrake is my hero. God Bless.

Erica Bisbey (Irish Girl/ Chorus)- I secretly believe that I’m a genius but haven’t fully tapped into my profound mental abilities. For now I’m posing as a happy, modest highschooler.

Sarah Boutcher (Student Director)- Stunningly attractive, this redheaded Canadian Senior has been taking orders from Mr. Decker for three years now. She enjoys Café Mochas and fromage.

Siri Brobst (Landlady/ Chorus)- From the jungles of Southeast Asia, kidnapped and raised by pirate-wombats, Siri has a certain flair for adventure and happens to look ravishing in yellow.

Kirsten Casella (Rebecca)- I’m ecstatic about my part in the play; I love music and singing, and Rags, though rather depressing, has some of the best music I’ve heard.

Allison Cooney (Head Lights Tech)- A senior, she’s been reigning over the sound and light booth for many a year. She enjoys long walks on the beach…and is taken.

Robert Croghan (Hamlet/ Chorus)- I am Robert Croghan and I play Hamlet in Rags as well as in the chorus. I was in OUAM, Babes in Arms, and You Can’t Take It With You.

Emily Dieter (Rosa)- Contrary to popular belief, Emily Dieter is not a Goddess descended from the heavens, but she comes pretty close. Give her money.

Katie Eberhard (Chorus)- 9^th grade, This is my 1^st JM production. I’m a trumpet in band and on speech team. Crazy Actors Rule!

Alyssa Edlund (Chorus)- Rags is Alyssa’s first and final theatre performance at JM, though she’s been dancing 15 years. “For the first time, I feel… Wicked!” Go Flutes!

Erik Edlund (Rosencrantz/ Chorus)- My name is Erik. I’m a sophomore, and this is my first JM theatre production. I come from Lithuania. Call me with questions.

Al Gresbrink (Big Tim)- A senior this year, making his first appearance in a JM play. When asked about the play, he says, “I love it!”

Emily Gresbrink (Mrs.Sullivan)- Her first musical at JM, was last seen as Rheba in fall 2005. Emily is involved at the Masque, Civic, and more! “I love you mom and dad! *Kissy*”

Joey Haddock (Avram)- Joey loves JM; Joey enjoyed play much much; Frisbee is live! Word; First Haiku sucked; Joey now rethinks letting; Siri write bio

Janelle Jorgensen (Chorus)- Is one of those girls running about up there who really is happy despite the subject matter of this play. Yay for love!!!

Katrina Koehler (Klezmer/Chorus)- Katrinna is a freshman and has always had a love for theatre and music. She’s been in many plays at RCLS since 5^th grade.

Michael Latana (Mr Bronstien)- Status: Senior; Future Iowa State University student; currently celebrating his self appointed “Sexiest Man Alive” award for the third year in a row.

Michael Manansala (Chorus)- Age: 16, Grade: 10, Other school activites: Speech Team, Student Council, Upward Bound. “My very enthusiastic and optimistically positive attitude keeps me going in the toughest situations.”

Elizabeth Merrill (Morris/ Chorus)- My name is Marta and I’m going to be seven... on… uh… *OH CRAP WRONG PLAY!*… oh… yea for my mama!

Arij Mikati(Sweatshop/Chorus)- I really don’t have a life, I sold it to the stage, years ago. Best five bucks I ever made.

Paul Moore (Saul)- Quite F.O.S., Paul, a junior, has found himself in two Theatre JM productions this year. “Yes, yes…no no no! Its been great-thanks to all!”

Alyssa Mueller (David)- I’m in 9^th grade and this is my 1^st time in a production at JM. I play piano and cello and I sing in the Honours Choirs Lyric Singers.

Jaclyn Peterson (Ophellia/ Chorus)- Not usually a character other than herself, she plays Ophellia. Shes always had a love for theatre, and always wanted to be a star.

Andy Phillips (Guard/Klezmer/Chorus)- This is my first productions besides pit orchestra in “Babes in Arms”. I LOVE music w/a passion. By the way… “You!... are a big Kaddish!”

Kristen Picket (Morris’s Mother/Chorus)- 17yrs old, Junior, I’m a newbie to the theatre. I haven’t been in any before because of volleyball. Both are awesome.

Nicky Podvin (Guard/ Chorus)- a freshman at JM, making this his first time in a play at JM. He says he loves to act and entertain.

Krishna Pundi (Editor/ Chorus)- I once wrestled a tiger to the ground with my bare hands. Fear me.

Erin Reike (Costumes/Hair)- Costumes… the style of the play. Makeup… the beauty of the play. Hair… the most important part of all plays.

John Richardson (Chorus)-

David Samb (Chorus)- I’ve been in soccer, band, and several other activities, but JM musicals have been my favorite activities.

Aaron Savage (Ben)- I’m a sophomore. I have ADHD. Most of my family is in theatre. I was in the fall play and one act. This is my 9^th play.

Rachael Schlingmann (Bella)- I’m a junior and this is the most exciting race I’ve got ever. I love the c ast and hey, no one sees my butt!

Elizabeth Shea (Theif/Klezmer/Chorus)- Is thrilled to be a part of theatre JM! She dedicates all her performances to all in her theatre and real family!

Jared Schuster (Chorus)- started theatre at age 7 in “3 Little Pigs”. Has played numerous parts such as Tevye in “Fiddler on the Roof” and Fagin in “Oliver”.

Sara Suginaka (Rachel)- If there’s one name in history that stands out its Luke Skywalker. Sara watched Star Wars once! She does a mean Chewbacca impression—just listen to her song.