Not Over Till It's Over ...

[mrdreamjeans]

Despite the frigid cold of Kitchener, we had a big audience for Tuesday’s opening night. With the double shows today, “Evita” is now down to its final four performances. Since we’re in the final week, no changes were expected. But fate has intervened. It’s definitely not over till it’s over. Michael Miller, one of the tour’s original cast members blew out his knee in “Peron’s Latest Flame” last night. Suddenly, his tour is over. He spent all of last night in the hospital. If there’s a silver lining to the injury, it’s that it happened during a performance and his surgery and recovery will be covered by Workmens Comp. If he had been working out at the gym next week and the same thing had occurred, he’d have been on his own.

It was a tough day to be named Michael. Michael Duff, the keyboardist who joined us about three weeks when our conductor Elaine Davidson moved to “Bombay Dreams”, had a family tragedy this morning. Michael’s 62-year old brother had a stroke two weeks ago, had been well enough to go into rehab but suddenly died this morning. Dave Thompson, a Toronto-based keyboardist and associate conductor on the 1998-99 “Evita” Tour came in today to try to learn the book as Michael is off to Florida (and out of our lives) on a 6am flight. The funeral is Friday. He begins work on “Bombay Dreams” on Monday and a different sub will play “Evita” the final weekend. (I’m not a synth player, but my understanding is that the book is a nightmare ... about two books worth of keyboard parts condensed into one. Evidently, there are constant “patches”, some on the keyboard, some on the pedals.) As I said, it’s not over till it’s over ...

teddybtoronto and his Kitchener friend John saw the matinee this afternoon and seemed delighted with the show. They saw a line-up where both the regular Che and Eva were out and we were down a man because of Michael’s injury. Many folks were tackling moves and stepping up to perform solos they don’t normally handle. I even had an extra solo line in “Rainbow Tour”. No chance to rehearse ... just hit the ground running. I thought they saw a strong show. Tonight, detailbear saw a performance and both Keith and Sarah who had been out for the matinee were in the show. Kevin was close to the stage and a bit of a problem with sound so close to the speakers; but in general, he had lots of nice things to say:) Bob, John, Kevin and I went to dinner between shows. My LJ family has come through once again. Thanks to all of you supporting me from day one of this job!

We have one more show here in Kitchener, then travel on Friday to Waterbury, Ct via New York City. We’re flying into La Guardia, then busing to Connecticut. I still have no word on my flight arrangements for Monday ... Guess they’re going to surprise me with how and when I fly home. I’m feeling nostalgic, but also very ready for the tour to end. But as I've been reminded with the incidents of the past two days, it's important to focus on the present. It's paramount not to wish life away. Patience .... Evita's not over till it’s over.

Waiting for tomorrow isn't fair today.
With so little time to live our lives,
We wish our days away ...
Enough of the sun'll come out tomorrow,
it's here as bright today ...
Live each day as it comes to you,
Don't wish your life away.

(Excerpt from a song I wrote years ago ...not particularly distinguished, but I think the sentiment holds.)

Comments

[bearfuz.livejournal.com]

Too bad I couldn't meet you at La Guardia before you hit the buses to Waterbury, but I'm guessing it would be way too complicated to even attempt.

You will probably not be surprised that John and I know detailbear. It's because of the cult square dancing. :-)

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

We land in NYC about 4:40pm, grab our suitcases and head to Waterbury. Most of the cast is staying in NYC overnight, dropping off their heavy bags and making their way to Connecticut on Saturday at their own expense, arriving in time for sound check. I'm counting pennies, so I'm doing exactly what the company will pay for:) Regardless, it would have been really nice to see you!

Kevin mentioned that he knew you last night when we were having dinner. I praised John and you to the high heavens:)

By the way, Did I get the language right on the synthesizers? (Hell, did Ijust spell the word correctly?) LOL! HUGS!

[bearfuz.livejournal.com]

Very, very close. :-) I think what you may have wanted to say was that there are "constant patch changes, some on the keyboard, some with a pedal."

A "patch" on a synthesizer is the term we use for the sound or combination of sounds we're using at any given moment. The pedal or keyboard action we use to switch to the next "patch" we call a "patch change." Depending on the actual programming on the keyboard -- and that varies from show to show, from Kurzweil to Roland to Korg, from programmer to programmer -- the patch changes can be easily and smoothly accomplished with a clicker pedal (and a slight adjustment of the volume pedal)... or not. Some of the hyper-sophisticated über-mapped programming (e.g. Brett Sommer's work, which we had on Les Miz</>, Miss Saigon, Ragtime and La Bohème) adds patch changes that are triggered by certain keys on the keyboard, a strategy that also has its advantages and disadvantages.

There, aren't you glad you asked? Hee hee. Enjoy your last night in Kitchener...!! Hugs.

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

Thanks! I know that the sub who was brought in wasn't sure he could handle the part, mostly because the patches were a combination ...some triggered by keys on the keyboard, others with pedals. I guess I should be prepared to hear almost anything during tonight's performance.

I am glad I asked:)

[detailbear.livejournal.com]

At the moment, one of the nicest things I have to say is "MrDreamJeans".

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

Thanks, Kevin! What a compliment! Hugs!