Next to Normal in Little Rock

Hi Blog!
I've been in Little Rock for 11 days and have been horribly remiss in posting my typical fare of photos, videos, vlogs, blogs and anecdotes. So, here goes:

I'm back at The Rep doing the Tony award-winning stage show, 'Next to Normal'. I was here one year ago at this time doing 'Hairspray' with one of the most amazing cast and crew that I've worked with to date. Doing a musical comedy like Hairspray is a much different experience than doing a dramatic rock-opera (which is kinda where I'd qualify Next to Normal). Not that the content isn't just as valid, but one is a laugh-fest and one has me doing the ugly-cry on a regular basis. I'll let you guess which is which.

I knew that this experience would be much more academic than my past few shows - and it did not disappoint. I am literally being schooled on a daily basis. Big time.
I am here as the understudy for Diana, which is a capacity that is new to me. It is simultaneously the most awesome gig and the strangest.

For those unfamiliar with the theatre world, an understudy (or stand-by, stand-in, cover or swing) is akin to the 1st Runner-Up in the Miss America pageant. If Miss America is unable to perform her duties, the understudy steps into the pretty dress and waves from the float in her absence.

There are pros and cons to being a stand-in. You still have to attend the rehearsals, but you're watching from the sidelines, writing down blocking and choreography, taking music notes, observing character choices, prop-juggling, costume changes, etc. But it's a lot less responsibility. You don't have to do the press junkets, the media appearances, theatre events, Q & A, talkbacks, etc. In some cases, you might never even perform the role. But you'll also be familiar with the role and the show for future productions. So... like I said, pros and cons... it's give and take.

I'm one of those actors that relies on repetition throughout the rehearsal process to help get the show into my body - both physically and vocally, so the challenge has been significant. We have 7 hours of rehearsal during the day and our evenings off. Nine of my last 11 evenings have been spent going over music and blocking in my little apartment. My living room becomes the Goodman dining room and the Dr's office, my kitchen is the upstairs bathroom, my hall is the staircase and my door is the entrance to Natalie's room, which Diana doesn't actually enter fully... but if they change that blocking, I might have to restructure my mock-up so I'm not rehearsing that scene outside of Mo's door.

Of all the pros and cons, however, the most amazing part of this experience has been the ability to observe. Stepping outside of the box (or the stage, as it were) allows me to see everything that is going on (sometimes behind or above or below) and how it all fits together in the bigger picture. I get to watch a director with a clear vision and how that gets infused with the personalities of the characters. And when I say I'm being schooled daily, I mean I get a master class from some extremely gifted artists. Each and every actor on that stage is a brilliant storyteller. I fall in love with this family over and over again as I watch them discover themselves and one another.

Now that I'm feeling a little more comfortable with the show, I'm hoping I'll be more inclined to blog and vlog. (Little Rock is STILL just as beautiful as it was last year - Lord, I love the south!)

Now if you'll excuse me, I'm off to drown myself in some sweet tea. :)