mrdreamjeans | Bye, Bye Waterbury! (Reply)

Curtain's down on the final orchestra dress in Waterbury. We had several hundred people in attendance and it was a much smoother, more focused performance than last evening. The sound was much better; you could tell the audience understood more of the story by their response. Three of the numbers received cheers from the audience. It's a really nice to be through with the long tech week.

I have a strong feeling that this production of "Evita" will be the pinnacle for me after performing in it twice in 1991 (Houston and Seattle), touring nationally in it from 1992-94 and from 1998-99; regional productions in 2000 (Houston) and again in 2001 (Boston), two separate European Tours in 2002 and now this tour beginning in 2004. I believe strongly in the abilities of this cast and am looking forward to seeing my friends around the country while performing in it.

Hal Prince has put a strong stamp on the production. Several acting choices are very different from the corresponding moments in previous productions per his direction and a couple of scenes have received all new blocking, adding a freshness to the original blueprint. I know I'm not objective about the show; no one is when you are doing your best to believe in and sell a product, but I do have a history with the material and I think we've got the edge back. "Evita" on stage is 25 years old next year and I think she'll be looking good!

My character in "New Argentina" took on a new twist today, when in rehearsal, they decided to switch the placard I was carrying. I am now part of the meat packers union. Hmmmmmm.....

(Asides - I just heard a comic on Mad TV refer to America under Bush's presidency as the United Mistakes of America:) Ha! I watched a Halloween Costume contest for dogs this morning. The winner was an English Bulldog dressed as a butterfly, the wings all glittering purple and pink. He was wonderfully endearing.)

All my bags are packed and I'm ready to go:) We head to Boston tomorrow and will check into our hotel about 3pm after a brief bus trip. It's Halloween, but the first item on my agenda will be to head to the original Filene's Basement with fellow cast members Gia and Candy and a little economic therapy:) Tomorrow and Monday are our first days off in 10 days. Let the fun begin!