Week 1 was rehearsal in New York. We worked at Pearl Studios, a studio space where lots of auditions take place. It was so fun to come in without my book or any stress, waltz into long rehearsals for a real job-finally! There are seven new cast members and we worked with a previous assistant music director, Nate, the current dance captain and new Babette, Chandon, and the assistant director, Sam Scalamoni. We learned the bulk of the ensemble in four days! Music and dance for all the big numbers, and a few scenes. We also started understudy music- 6 of the 7 cover principal roles.
Week 2 has been in Chicago. We arrived on Monday afternoon after a three hour delay (got to love Chicago Midway...and bad weather). Dropped our things at the Seneca Hotel & Suites, where we'll be staying for the better part of a month. Full kitchen and little living rooms which is very nice. The Oriental Theatre (our performance venue for Chi-town) is about a mile away, straight down Michigan Avenue...otherwise known as the magnificent mile. It's difficult to not shop, though we haven't had much time.
Lake Michigan...two blocks from the hotel!
Ravenous newbies on our first night in Chicago, from Left: Kolby, Amanda, Jessica, me, Lauren, Nick, and Nate- who is an original cast member and leaving soon! The only one missing is Matt, who's partner David is also in the cast!
The new ladies the first time we got to see the show...it was unannounced maxi dress day :) From left, Amanda is a Silly Girl, Lauren is Laundry Lady/Belle cover, Jessica is Busty Girl/Babette cover, and I am Sausage Curl Girl/Belle cover.
Our theatre!! Its so beautiful...I nearly cried when we first stepped out on stage.
Tuesday was our first day on stage and meeting some of the cast. Wednesday-Sunday was watching the show from the house and backstage, tracking our current actor's tracks, meeting more and more people, and rehearsal rehearsal rehearsal. We did all understudy blocking rehearsals, so everyone knows their material for next week's run throughs. There has also been several social occasions: a little newbies welcome at the hotel, a big producer's sponsored party, and a nice farewell evening for the people we are replacing. Glad I brought a few nice things to wear!
Lauren and I are the two Belle covers...5'7" and 5'3" haha. There was a celebration for our predecessors final performance on Sunday night.
Nick is a temporary replacement for Ensemble/Lumiere cover, but we really really want him to stay! We got along right away.
New ladies again....we love getting dressed up for all these events.
And now we are in to week 3: Opening in Chicago!! We've got shows on top of understudy rehearsals, family and friends all arriving for each of us in these next two weeks. Should be lots of fun updates soon! I'll check back in with pictures hopefully in costume next time!!
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