Our fearless music director, Jim Batt, making sure that the right notes are being sung.
That's DeAnn Clancy (one of the Gossips), Sharon Babcock (Mrs. Noye) and Jeff Wilbur (Noye).
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
You Mean They Sing?
Our fearless music director, Jim Batt, making sure that the right notes are being sung.
That's DeAnn Clancy (one of the Gossips), Sharon Babcock (Mrs. Noye) and Jeff Wilbur (Noye).
He Did It, No - HE Did It
That's right, point the finger at the other guy!
Ben Williams (who is singing the role of Ham) and Jeff Wilbur (who is singing the role of Noye), once again proving that rehearsals can be fun.
Rehearsals are FUN
So...I'm not a great photographer, but here's one of our BIG Waves, John Heard, taking a break before we staged the Storm scene last Sunday.
The Waves are a special feature of this production of Noye's Fludde. I'm not sure how I got the inspiration for this, but I thought it would be cool to have people represent the water. Our four Waves, Pinkie Adee, Peggy Gregg, Rick Bannon and John Heard, are doing a super job!
For The Waves
Okay, here goes Waves! This post should contain all of your stage movements.
Peggy and Pinkie will start the show in the pond. You will be sitting on a small platform just in front of the SR steps. The water fabric will be there as well; you will be sitting in/on the fabric. You will need to make sure you have the small pebbles and shells with you. You'll need them in a later scene.
The two of you can make small gentle movements throughout the entire time you are in the pond. Think a gentle breeze over a lake. It does not have to be constant.
Rick and John will start the show in the hall outside of the HR doors.
Scene 3 (the building of the ark) is the first active scene for Peggy and Pinkie. The Gossips and Mrs. Noye will come sit next to you. They will pretend to drink water, wash their hands, dip their toes, etc. You can use the fabric to cover their feet, you can lift the fabric up (as if to offer them a drink), you can even splash them! You will also hand them the shells and pebbles, as if the water is giving them presents.
This can continue through much of Scene 4 (Noye and Mrs. Noye's spat).
All 4 of you, be prepared to move at the end of Scene 4. Near the end of this scene, you will hear a long speech from God ("...40 days and 40 nights...I think thee to destroye."). Rick and John, that is your cue to enter, quickly running down the Center Aisle, shaking your wrist waves. You run to the Pond. All 4 of you quickly scare the Gossips and then quickly exit through the House Right front doors. I'll warn you that the Animals are about to enter, so leaving will be a little tricky, as the children will probably be in your way.
Scene 5 (the entrance of the animals) is next. You are not in that scene. Coffee break, but not for long!
Scene 6 is the scene where you torment the Gossips. Rick and John will enter from the HR back doors; Peggy and Pinkie will enter from the HR front doors. Your cue to enter is when Sem sings to his mother "look up and see the wind". You enter and stand in the aisles, gently swaying in place. When Sem runs into the ark and Mrs. Noye turns to sing to her Gossips, you take 1 or 2 steps toward the stage. Mrs. Noye's short solo ends "and I may save their life". The Gossips look out and you shake your wrist waves at them, making them scream.
Here, you move very slowly, one step per measure towards the Gossips. When Noye starts to sing, you stop where you are. You basically stay in this place (you can take a few steps forward) until AFTER the 3 sons have sung to their mother. When they start to move to grab her, you also slowly start to move in. Right after the Sons grab Mrs. Noye, you rush in, scaring the Gossips, grab the fabric (one of you can take it) and chase the Gossips down the Center Aisle. You exit through the HR back doors. You have time to catch your breath, but the storm is next.
Scene 7 is the storm. Everyone gets in the ark, the Humans all sing, then Noye sings. Shortly after he finishes singing, you enter - your cue is the sound of the wind in the orchestra. You'll hear a trilling in the recorders. As soon as that melody ends (it is only 4 measures long), the 4 of you enter with the fabric and come down the Center Aisle, waving the fabric. Take your time. This is a long storm.
THIS NEXT MOVE IS A CHANGE AND WE'LL HAVE TO TRY IT OUT TO SEE IF IT WILL WORK. You walk up on stage and walk in a circle in front of the ark. You all hold the fabric in front of you and do a more rhythmic movement of the fabric (I'm thinking 2 little shakes in front of you and 1 big one with arms outstretched). This continues until the Animals scream. You then exit the stage, using the SR steps. Drop the fabric at the Pond and exit down the Center Aisle.
You get a break now. Scene 8 is the Raven and the Dove. Scene 9 is God telling everyone to leave the ark.
Scene 10 is the final scene, your Rainbow scene. Listen for everyone on stage singing numerous "Alleluias". You should have the Rainbow and be ready to enter. Remember that there will be one Bell Ringer in front of you, probably Sandy Martin.
Your cue to enter this time is God saying "such vengeance shall cease". Walk slowly down the House Right aisle. John should carry the Rainbow and it should be rolled up. When you reach the front of the house, the other three start to unfurl the Rainbow. Stay there through one verse of the singing. Your cue to move is "The unwearied sun from day to day". Walk into the SL room. Gather up the Rainbow and enter the stage through the back door. Go to the top level of the ark and display the rainbow over the top railing. Stay there until the end of the opera (we might change this).
Except for your curtain call, which we will stage later, that is it! Any questions, please don't hesitate to post a comment or email me at HeidiLHayes@gmail.com. Thanks again, Waves!
Peggy and Pinkie will start the show in the pond. You will be sitting on a small platform just in front of the SR steps. The water fabric will be there as well; you will be sitting in/on the fabric. You will need to make sure you have the small pebbles and shells with you. You'll need them in a later scene.
The two of you can make small gentle movements throughout the entire time you are in the pond. Think a gentle breeze over a lake. It does not have to be constant.
Rick and John will start the show in the hall outside of the HR doors.
Scene 3 (the building of the ark) is the first active scene for Peggy and Pinkie. The Gossips and Mrs. Noye will come sit next to you. They will pretend to drink water, wash their hands, dip their toes, etc. You can use the fabric to cover their feet, you can lift the fabric up (as if to offer them a drink), you can even splash them! You will also hand them the shells and pebbles, as if the water is giving them presents.
This can continue through much of Scene 4 (Noye and Mrs. Noye's spat).
All 4 of you, be prepared to move at the end of Scene 4. Near the end of this scene, you will hear a long speech from God ("...40 days and 40 nights...I think thee to destroye."). Rick and John, that is your cue to enter, quickly running down the Center Aisle, shaking your wrist waves. You run to the Pond. All 4 of you quickly scare the Gossips and then quickly exit through the House Right front doors. I'll warn you that the Animals are about to enter, so leaving will be a little tricky, as the children will probably be in your way.
Scene 5 (the entrance of the animals) is next. You are not in that scene. Coffee break, but not for long!
Scene 6 is the scene where you torment the Gossips. Rick and John will enter from the HR back doors; Peggy and Pinkie will enter from the HR front doors. Your cue to enter is when Sem sings to his mother "look up and see the wind". You enter and stand in the aisles, gently swaying in place. When Sem runs into the ark and Mrs. Noye turns to sing to her Gossips, you take 1 or 2 steps toward the stage. Mrs. Noye's short solo ends "and I may save their life". The Gossips look out and you shake your wrist waves at them, making them scream.
Here, you move very slowly, one step per measure towards the Gossips. When Noye starts to sing, you stop where you are. You basically stay in this place (you can take a few steps forward) until AFTER the 3 sons have sung to their mother. When they start to move to grab her, you also slowly start to move in. Right after the Sons grab Mrs. Noye, you rush in, scaring the Gossips, grab the fabric (one of you can take it) and chase the Gossips down the Center Aisle. You exit through the HR back doors. You have time to catch your breath, but the storm is next.
Scene 7 is the storm. Everyone gets in the ark, the Humans all sing, then Noye sings. Shortly after he finishes singing, you enter - your cue is the sound of the wind in the orchestra. You'll hear a trilling in the recorders. As soon as that melody ends (it is only 4 measures long), the 4 of you enter with the fabric and come down the Center Aisle, waving the fabric. Take your time. This is a long storm.
THIS NEXT MOVE IS A CHANGE AND WE'LL HAVE TO TRY IT OUT TO SEE IF IT WILL WORK. You walk up on stage and walk in a circle in front of the ark. You all hold the fabric in front of you and do a more rhythmic movement of the fabric (I'm thinking 2 little shakes in front of you and 1 big one with arms outstretched). This continues until the Animals scream. You then exit the stage, using the SR steps. Drop the fabric at the Pond and exit down the Center Aisle.
You get a break now. Scene 8 is the Raven and the Dove. Scene 9 is God telling everyone to leave the ark.
Scene 10 is the final scene, your Rainbow scene. Listen for everyone on stage singing numerous "Alleluias". You should have the Rainbow and be ready to enter. Remember that there will be one Bell Ringer in front of you, probably Sandy Martin.
Your cue to enter this time is God saying "such vengeance shall cease". Walk slowly down the House Right aisle. John should carry the Rainbow and it should be rolled up. When you reach the front of the house, the other three start to unfurl the Rainbow. Stay there through one verse of the singing. Your cue to move is "The unwearied sun from day to day". Walk into the SL room. Gather up the Rainbow and enter the stage through the back door. Go to the top level of the ark and display the rainbow over the top railing. Stay there until the end of the opera (we might change this).
Except for your curtain call, which we will stage later, that is it! Any questions, please don't hesitate to post a comment or email me at HeidiLHayes@gmail.com. Thanks again, Waves!
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Set Construction Has Begun
There's quite a bit of work getting done on Noye's Fludde on Wednesday evenings. Last Wednesday (March 3), Jeff Wilbur, David Bravo and Eli Bravo got the main set pieces onto the stage. This week the three of them started putting the pieces together.
What you are looking at is the foundation for our two-level ark. I'm not going to give you too many details, so you will keep coming back to check out the progress from week to week.
Behind the Scenes During Set Construction
You can get already get a sense of our two-level ark from this photo. Both David and Jeff are inside the ark. The level above them will be the top level (or deck) of the ark.
By the way, this is a "green" set. Most of the ark made its debut as the set for BMPC's original production of 10th & Luke a few years ago. With Jeff Wilbur's excellent design and construction work, we have been able to reconfigure and reuse the pieces to have a fantastic ark.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Rehearsal Schedule for Wednesday, April 7
THIS IS A CHANGE FROM THE ORIGINAL REHEARSAL SCHEDULE
4:15 - 6:00 - Work Scenes 5, 7, 9 and 10.
All Animals - Carol Choir, Alleluia Choir, Youth Chorale and Sunday School participants. All Leads invited.
ALL REHEARSALS ARE IN THE GYM
4:15 - 6:00 - Work Scenes 5, 7, 9 and 10.
All Animals - Carol Choir, Alleluia Choir, Youth Chorale and Sunday School participants. All Leads invited.
ALL REHEARSALS ARE IN THE GYM
Rehearsal Schedule for Sunday, March 14
NOTE: We need to try costumes on all of the leads this Sunday. If at all possible, please come to the gym starting at 12:00, so we can get that accomplished before our 12:30 rehearsal. Thank you!
Staging Scenes 5 & 6
12:30 - 2:00 - Scene 6
Noye, Sem, Ham, Jaffett, Gossips, Waves (Mrs. Noye and John Heard n/a)
2:00 - 2:30 - Scene 5
Sem, Ham, Jaffett, Mrs. Mrs. Ham, Mrs. Jaffett, Animal Groups**, Noye*, Gossips* (Mrs. Noye n/a)
**Animals are welcome.
* Characters are on stage, but do not sing. Best if they are at rehearsal, but not vital.
See you Sunday!
Staging Scenes 5 & 6
12:30 - 2:00 - Scene 6
Noye, Sem, Ham, Jaffett, Gossips, Waves (Mrs. Noye and John Heard n/a)
2:00 - 2:30 - Scene 5
Sem, Ham, Jaffett, Mrs. Mrs. Ham, Mrs. Jaffett, Animal Groups**, Noye*, Gossips* (Mrs. Noye n/a)
**Animals are welcome.
* Characters are on stage, but do not sing. Best if they are at rehearsal, but not vital.
See you Sunday!
Scene 10 Staging
Scene 10, pp. 64 - 76, m. 111 - end
God tells Noye there will never be such a flood again and that the Rainbow will be the sign of this promise. The Sun, Moon and Stars appear. Everyone sings a hymn of gratitude and leaves to begin their new lives. Noye is left alone to receive God's blessing. He exits. The stage is empty. The story is told. The end.
All Humans and Animals are in the tableau from the end of Scene 9. After singing their last alleluia, each turns and hugs or acknowledges the person next to them. EVERYONE hears God's voice. This is important. Every other time God has spoken, only Noye has been able to hear him.
As God speaks, the Waves enter through the HL back doors with the Rainbow rolled up. They are led by one Bell Ringer. They walk down the HL aisle, stopping when they are at the front. They then slowly unroll the Rainbow, staying in the Left aisle. Everyone on stage sees and responds to the beauty and wonder of the Rainbow through the singing at m. 113.
THIS IS A CHANGE - The Rainbow stays in the aisle until m. 114.
At m. 114 (the words are "The unwearied sun from day to day"), the Sun is revealed above and off of SR. Everyone on stage turns to look, again with wonder and awe. The Waves then move with the Rainbow to the top level of the ark via the SL room.
At m. 115, the Moon is revealed above and off of SL. As with the Sun, all turn to look at it.
Stand or kneel and sing as beautifully and as joyfully as you possibly can through m. 118.
At m. 119, all begin to leave the stage using the Center Aisle as directed in the score (and listed below). As each group begins to sing, the human assigned to the specific Animal Group will move to the group to cue them to leave. Walk slowly down the aisle and out the HR back doors into the hallway. Don't go anywhere! You have to come back for your curtain call!
Here's the order:
Sem and Group 7
Mrs. Sem and Group 6
Ham and Group 5
Mrs. Ham and Group 4
Jaffett and Group 3
Mrs. Jaffett and Group 2
Mrs. Noye and Group 1
Noye is left on stage with the Dove. The Dove bows gracefully to Noye and runs to join the rest of the Animals.
Noye is left alone. He returns to his tree and hears God's final words. He exits using the Center Aisle, pausing to look back at the ark.
The end.
God tells Noye there will never be such a flood again and that the Rainbow will be the sign of this promise. The Sun, Moon and Stars appear. Everyone sings a hymn of gratitude and leaves to begin their new lives. Noye is left alone to receive God's blessing. He exits. The stage is empty. The story is told. The end.
All Humans and Animals are in the tableau from the end of Scene 9. After singing their last alleluia, each turns and hugs or acknowledges the person next to them. EVERYONE hears God's voice. This is important. Every other time God has spoken, only Noye has been able to hear him.
As God speaks, the Waves enter through the HL back doors with the Rainbow rolled up. They are led by one Bell Ringer. They walk down the HL aisle, stopping when they are at the front. They then slowly unroll the Rainbow, staying in the Left aisle. Everyone on stage sees and responds to the beauty and wonder of the Rainbow through the singing at m. 113.
THIS IS A CHANGE - The Rainbow stays in the aisle until m. 114.
At m. 114 (the words are "The unwearied sun from day to day"), the Sun is revealed above and off of SR. Everyone on stage turns to look, again with wonder and awe. The Waves then move with the Rainbow to the top level of the ark via the SL room.
At m. 115, the Moon is revealed above and off of SL. As with the Sun, all turn to look at it.
Stand or kneel and sing as beautifully and as joyfully as you possibly can through m. 118.
At m. 119, all begin to leave the stage using the Center Aisle as directed in the score (and listed below). As each group begins to sing, the human assigned to the specific Animal Group will move to the group to cue them to leave. Walk slowly down the aisle and out the HR back doors into the hallway. Don't go anywhere! You have to come back for your curtain call!
Here's the order:
Sem and Group 7
Mrs. Sem and Group 6
Ham and Group 5
Mrs. Ham and Group 4
Jaffett and Group 3
Mrs. Jaffett and Group 2
Mrs. Noye and Group 1
Noye is left on stage with the Dove. The Dove bows gracefully to Noye and runs to join the rest of the Animals.
Noye is left alone. He returns to his tree and hears God's final words. He exits using the Center Aisle, pausing to look back at the ark.
The end.
Rehearsal Schedule for Sunday, March 21
Jenny Wilbur n/a
12:30 - 1:15 Scene 7 (pp. 40 - 50, m. 67-93)
Noye, Mrs. Noye, Sem, Ham, Jaffett, Mrs. Sem, Mrs. Ham, Mrs. Jaffett, Waves, Animal Groups**
1:15 - 2:00 Scene 10 (pp. 64-76, m. 111 - end)
God, Noye, Mrs. Noye, Sem, Ham, Jaffett, Mrs. Sem, Mrs. Ham, Mrs. Jaffett, Animal Groups**
2:00 - 2:30 - Scene 8 (pp. 50-58, m. 93-107)
Noye, Raven, Dove
**It would be great to have one leader/representative from each animal group, but it is not necessary.
12:30 - 1:15 Scene 7 (pp. 40 - 50, m. 67-93)
Noye, Mrs. Noye, Sem, Ham, Jaffett, Mrs. Sem, Mrs. Ham, Mrs. Jaffett, Waves, Animal Groups**
1:15 - 2:00 Scene 10 (pp. 64-76, m. 111 - end)
God, Noye, Mrs. Noye, Sem, Ham, Jaffett, Mrs. Sem, Mrs. Ham, Mrs. Jaffett, Animal Groups**
2:00 - 2:30 - Scene 8 (pp. 50-58, m. 93-107)
Noye, Raven, Dove
**It would be great to have one leader/representative from each animal group, but it is not necessary.
Scene 9 Staging
Scene 9 is at the end of the storm, after the Raven has left and the Dove has returned. God commands Noye to take everyone out of the ark and start their lives on the earth again. On paper this looks like a simple scene. On stage, it will take some time to stage because EVERYONE is on stage!
Scene 9, pp. 58 - 64, m. 107 - 111.
As soon as God finishes his dialogue, the animals begin to leave the ark and stand on the stage and steps leading to stage. Humans, remember to assist Animals in getting out of the ark. When they have all found their designated spot, the Humans leave the ark and stand behind the Animals to sing the hymn of praise ("Lord, we thanke thee through thy mighte"). Noye and Mrs. Noye are Center Stage (CS); their Sons and Daughters-In-Law are on both sides of them. No straight lines! More of a gentle arc.
Everyone's visual focus by m. 110 (when everyone sings "Alleluia") should be the square on the back wall just about the basketball hoop. That's where God hangs out :)
That's it!
Scene 9, pp. 58 - 64, m. 107 - 111.
As soon as God finishes his dialogue, the animals begin to leave the ark and stand on the stage and steps leading to stage. Humans, remember to assist Animals in getting out of the ark. When they have all found their designated spot, the Humans leave the ark and stand behind the Animals to sing the hymn of praise ("Lord, we thanke thee through thy mighte"). Noye and Mrs. Noye are Center Stage (CS); their Sons and Daughters-In-Law are on both sides of them. No straight lines! More of a gentle arc.
Everyone's visual focus by m. 110 (when everyone sings "Alleluia") should be the square on the back wall just about the basketball hoop. That's where God hangs out :)
That's it!
Scene 8 Staging
Scene 8, pp. 50 -58, m. 93 - 107
The storm ends. Noye sends a Raven and Dove out of the ark in search of land.
Noye, still on the top deck, looks over the railing to see that the storm has ended. He calls a Raven to his side and sends him out of the ark. The Raven descends down the side ladder. He walks to the edge of the stage (SR, by pond) and still sees the water. He then walks across the stage, looking up at Noye. Noye encourages him and the Raven leaves the stage using the SL stairs. He dances down the Center Aisle, stopping twice to look back at Noye. Noye encourages him both times. The last time the Raven waves to Noye.
The Dove moves next to Noye and pokes him. After Noye's line, the Dove uses the side ladder to get to the stage. She jetes to CS with a pose on the fermata before 102. Her dance takes her across the stage to SL steps and she runs out using Center Aisle. She gets olive branch and returns after Noye's line at 103. She runs down Center Aisle, pausing as if to look for Noye. She pauses in front of the stage and graciously waves the branch at Noye. She runs up on stage and ascends the side ladder, graciously presenting the branch to Noye and then turning away from him.
Noye sings of his joy and gratefulness.
End of scene
The storm ends. Noye sends a Raven and Dove out of the ark in search of land.
Noye, still on the top deck, looks over the railing to see that the storm has ended. He calls a Raven to his side and sends him out of the ark. The Raven descends down the side ladder. He walks to the edge of the stage (SR, by pond) and still sees the water. He then walks across the stage, looking up at Noye. Noye encourages him and the Raven leaves the stage using the SL stairs. He dances down the Center Aisle, stopping twice to look back at Noye. Noye encourages him both times. The last time the Raven waves to Noye.
The Dove moves next to Noye and pokes him. After Noye's line, the Dove uses the side ladder to get to the stage. She jetes to CS with a pose on the fermata before 102. Her dance takes her across the stage to SL steps and she runs out using Center Aisle. She gets olive branch and returns after Noye's line at 103. She runs down Center Aisle, pausing as if to look for Noye. She pauses in front of the stage and graciously waves the branch at Noye. She runs up on stage and ascends the side ladder, graciously presenting the branch to Noye and then turning away from him.
Noye sings of his joy and gratefulness.
End of scene
Scene 7 Staging
Scene 7, pp. 40 - 50, m. 67-93
Scene 7 is the STORM. As the scene begins, all of the Animals are in the ark. All of the Humans have just entered, the Sons successfully getting their mother in the ark in Scene 6. The Gossips have been scared off by the Waves.
Noye enters and with the assistance of his Sons, closes the door. At m. 69 he signals everyone to their specific places - Sem SL; Ham CS, possibly BSL, depending on need for animal crowd control; Jaffett back to the top; Mrs. Noye SL to join Animal Group 5 (cats, rats and mice). Wives go with the appropriate Husband!
At m. 70, all sing as they go to appropriate places, checking that ark is safe, animals are safe, etc. Noye moves to top level to shut window at m. 73.
IT IS HIGHLY LIKELY THAT THERE WILL A LIGHTING EFFECT AT MEASURE 73. BE READY.
At m. 75 Waves enter from back HR doors with water fabric. They slowly walk down Center Aisle, waving the fabric. Using SL steps, they go up on stage and forcefully wave the fabric (storm is more intense).
Around m. 79 - 80, Noye tries to open the upper deck window. He is thrown back by the force of the Waves. This causes the Animals and Humans on the upper deck to scream. The Animals and Humans on the lower deck hear the scream and cry "NO". Humans immediately move to closest animals to comfort them. Waves move offstage using SR steps, dropping the fabric at the pond. They exit through Center Aisle and back HR doors.
At m. 85 (second verse of hymn), Humans instruct all Animals near them to either stand or kneel, facing the front of the stage.
At. m. 86, all put a hand on the shoulder of the closest Animal or Human and look to God (square above basketball hoop at back of gym; where else does God hang out?!?!?).
When the words "O hear us when we cry to thee" are sung, all Humans reach out an arm, palm facing up, to God.
At m. 87, all begin to settle down to rest. Humans make sure all Animals are comfortable, either sitting or lying down.
The Storm subsides.
Scene 7 is the STORM. As the scene begins, all of the Animals are in the ark. All of the Humans have just entered, the Sons successfully getting their mother in the ark in Scene 6. The Gossips have been scared off by the Waves.
Noye enters and with the assistance of his Sons, closes the door. At m. 69 he signals everyone to their specific places - Sem SL; Ham CS, possibly BSL, depending on need for animal crowd control; Jaffett back to the top; Mrs. Noye SL to join Animal Group 5 (cats, rats and mice). Wives go with the appropriate Husband!
At m. 70, all sing as they go to appropriate places, checking that ark is safe, animals are safe, etc. Noye moves to top level to shut window at m. 73.
IT IS HIGHLY LIKELY THAT THERE WILL A LIGHTING EFFECT AT MEASURE 73. BE READY.
At m. 75 Waves enter from back HR doors with water fabric. They slowly walk down Center Aisle, waving the fabric. Using SL steps, they go up on stage and forcefully wave the fabric (storm is more intense).
Around m. 79 - 80, Noye tries to open the upper deck window. He is thrown back by the force of the Waves. This causes the Animals and Humans on the upper deck to scream. The Animals and Humans on the lower deck hear the scream and cry "NO". Humans immediately move to closest animals to comfort them. Waves move offstage using SR steps, dropping the fabric at the pond. They exit through Center Aisle and back HR doors.
At m. 85 (second verse of hymn), Humans instruct all Animals near them to either stand or kneel, facing the front of the stage.
At. m. 86, all put a hand on the shoulder of the closest Animal or Human and look to God (square above basketball hoop at back of gym; where else does God hang out?!?!?).
When the words "O hear us when we cry to thee" are sung, all Humans reach out an arm, palm facing up, to God.
At m. 87, all begin to settle down to rest. Humans make sure all Animals are comfortable, either sitting or lying down.
The Storm subsides.
Scene 6 Staging
Scene 6, pp. 30 - 40, m. 50 - 67
This is the most complicated scene for the leads, as just about everyone is involved. Keep reading and keep your wits about you!
Noye and his sons try to convince Mrs. Noye to get into the ark. The Gossips are scared by the rising waters. First they drink, then they run.
All of the Animals, the Sons and the Daughters-In-Law are in the ark (Jaffett and Mrs. Jaffett are on the top level). Noye is just outside of the ark (SL). Mrs. Noye and the Gossips are still at their pond (SR).
Noye cross CS to Mrs. Noye. Mrs. Noye stays SR.
Noye calls to Sem, who comes out of the ark and crosses to Noye. Noye speaks to Sem and then crosses SL. Sem crosses deliberately to Mrs. Noye.
After Sem's line, "look up and see the wynde", the Waves enter from the HR doors (John and Rick back door; Peggy and Pinkie front door). They move slowly so they are just in aisles.
2 measures before m. 55 Mrs. Noye shoos Sem away. At this point, the Waves move in the aisles, about 4 feet closer to stage. Sem runs back into the ark.
At m. 55 Gossips look up at Mrs. Noye, turning out to smile as she finishes "and I may save ther life". Waves give one menacing shake of their waves, Gossips see them and scream.
At m. 56 Waves slowly (one step per measure) start to move towards Gossips. Gossips are frozen and watch them as they sing. Waves stop moving when Gossips stop singing. Gossips remain almost frozen (as little movement as possible) through Noye's line.
At m. 58 Gossips do a quick move into each other. Waves stay in place, with small menacing arm movements.
At m. 59 Jaffett sings from top of ark and then moves down to Noye.
At m. 60, the Gossips stand up and start to encourage each other to drink, still keeping an eye on the Waves. The 3 sons are CS, strategizing about how to get their mother in the ark.
At the end of their "drink, drink, drink", the Gossips do a toast up with their arms and then flop down. They drink drink drink!
Sons stand just right of CS to sing to their mother. Mrs. Noye stands and looks at them as she responds(m. 63). She turns back to her Gossips at m. 64 and the Sons sneak in behind her. After her "my gossipes, my gossipes, my gossipes", Sem puts his hands on her shoulders and turns her around (Mrs. Noye leading). Ham takes her DS wrist; Jaffett takes her US wrist. They steer her towards the ark.
AT THE SAME TIME, at m. 65, the Waves sweep in and chase the Gossips out via the Center Aisle, all exiting through the HR back doors.
Mrs. Noye must be in the doorway of the ark by "And gette thee a newe wiffe!". Sons must be behind her in the ark. Noye is SL of her outside of the ark. After the boxing of the ears, Noye delivers his next line to to audience.
See what I mean? Complex. But it will be stunning when we get it all in place.
This is the most complicated scene for the leads, as just about everyone is involved. Keep reading and keep your wits about you!
Noye and his sons try to convince Mrs. Noye to get into the ark. The Gossips are scared by the rising waters. First they drink, then they run.
All of the Animals, the Sons and the Daughters-In-Law are in the ark (Jaffett and Mrs. Jaffett are on the top level). Noye is just outside of the ark (SL). Mrs. Noye and the Gossips are still at their pond (SR).
Noye cross CS to Mrs. Noye. Mrs. Noye stays SR.
Noye calls to Sem, who comes out of the ark and crosses to Noye. Noye speaks to Sem and then crosses SL. Sem crosses deliberately to Mrs. Noye.
After Sem's line, "look up and see the wynde", the Waves enter from the HR doors (John and Rick back door; Peggy and Pinkie front door). They move slowly so they are just in aisles.
2 measures before m. 55 Mrs. Noye shoos Sem away. At this point, the Waves move in the aisles, about 4 feet closer to stage. Sem runs back into the ark.
At m. 55 Gossips look up at Mrs. Noye, turning out to smile as she finishes "and I may save ther life". Waves give one menacing shake of their waves, Gossips see them and scream.
At m. 56 Waves slowly (one step per measure) start to move towards Gossips. Gossips are frozen and watch them as they sing. Waves stop moving when Gossips stop singing. Gossips remain almost frozen (as little movement as possible) through Noye's line.
At m. 58 Gossips do a quick move into each other. Waves stay in place, with small menacing arm movements.
At m. 59 Jaffett sings from top of ark and then moves down to Noye.
At m. 60, the Gossips stand up and start to encourage each other to drink, still keeping an eye on the Waves. The 3 sons are CS, strategizing about how to get their mother in the ark.
At the end of their "drink, drink, drink", the Gossips do a toast up with their arms and then flop down. They drink drink drink!
Sons stand just right of CS to sing to their mother. Mrs. Noye stands and looks at them as she responds(m. 63). She turns back to her Gossips at m. 64 and the Sons sneak in behind her. After her "my gossipes, my gossipes, my gossipes", Sem puts his hands on her shoulders and turns her around (Mrs. Noye leading). Ham takes her DS wrist; Jaffett takes her US wrist. They steer her towards the ark.
AT THE SAME TIME, at m. 65, the Waves sweep in and chase the Gossips out via the Center Aisle, all exiting through the HR back doors.
Mrs. Noye must be in the doorway of the ark by "And gette thee a newe wiffe!". Sons must be behind her in the ark. Noye is SL of her outside of the ark. After the boxing of the ears, Noye delivers his next line to to audience.
See what I mean? Complex. But it will be stunning when we get it all in place.
Scene 4 Staging
This is one of my favorite scenes in Noye's Fludde. Noye and Mrs. Noye have a marital spat, showing all of us that they are truly human.
Scene 4, pp. 18 - 22, m. 27 - 33.
The Sons and Daughters-In-Law put the finishing touches on the ark throughout this entire scene. They must look like they are really working, but they must keep their movements small so they do not steal the focus of the scene from Mr. & Mrs. Noye. They are allowed to move up and down on the ark, in and out. They can speak to one another, but no stealing focus!
Mrs. Noye and the Gossips are seated on the SR stairs, enjoying the 2 Waves and the Pond. The Gossips must also be careful not to steal focus. They can chat to each other, put their toes in the water, have a drink of water, take a nap, but do not steal focus!
Noye moves slightly R of CS to speak to Mrs. Noye. He does not go all the way to her. Mrs. Noye stays seated for her first line. She stands after her "By Christe!" at m. 28. Noye turns away 4 measures later ("Lorde, that wemen be crabbed aye"). Mrs. Noye crosses to Noye after "daye and stare, daye and stare". They end CS, looking at each other with a great deal of venom in their eyes.
The low F octaves 1 measure before 30 tell Noye that God is wanting to speak to him. He stares out and listens. As he does this, Mrs. Noye continues to talk to him, crosses behind him to putting her hand in front of his face to get his attention (which fails), becomes concerned (perhaps he is really ill), turns to see her Sons at work, gets frustrated, gives up and crosses back to join the Gossips.
Noye is shocked at God's anger and realizes he must get everyone moving. At m. 31, he commands everyone, including the Gossips to get going. At this point, 2 of the Waves come running down the House Center aisle. They give one strong shake of their wrist waves, get the 2 Waves from the pond and all 4 Waves rush out, through any entrance.
Everyone - Sons, Daughters-In-Law and Gossips are surprised and frightened by the Waves, and by Noye's insistence on action.
The Animals should be in place, as their entrance is next.
That's it!
Scene 4, pp. 18 - 22, m. 27 - 33.
The Sons and Daughters-In-Law put the finishing touches on the ark throughout this entire scene. They must look like they are really working, but they must keep their movements small so they do not steal the focus of the scene from Mr. & Mrs. Noye. They are allowed to move up and down on the ark, in and out. They can speak to one another, but no stealing focus!
Mrs. Noye and the Gossips are seated on the SR stairs, enjoying the 2 Waves and the Pond. The Gossips must also be careful not to steal focus. They can chat to each other, put their toes in the water, have a drink of water, take a nap, but do not steal focus!
Noye moves slightly R of CS to speak to Mrs. Noye. He does not go all the way to her. Mrs. Noye stays seated for her first line. She stands after her "By Christe!" at m. 28. Noye turns away 4 measures later ("Lorde, that wemen be crabbed aye"). Mrs. Noye crosses to Noye after "daye and stare, daye and stare". They end CS, looking at each other with a great deal of venom in their eyes.
The low F octaves 1 measure before 30 tell Noye that God is wanting to speak to him. He stares out and listens. As he does this, Mrs. Noye continues to talk to him, crosses behind him to putting her hand in front of his face to get his attention (which fails), becomes concerned (perhaps he is really ill), turns to see her Sons at work, gets frustrated, gives up and crosses back to join the Gossips.
Noye is shocked at God's anger and realizes he must get everyone moving. At m. 31, he commands everyone, including the Gossips to get going. At this point, 2 of the Waves come running down the House Center aisle. They give one strong shake of their wrist waves, get the 2 Waves from the pond and all 4 Waves rush out, through any entrance.
Everyone - Sons, Daughters-In-Law and Gossips are surprised and frightened by the Waves, and by Noye's insistence on action.
The Animals should be in place, as their entrance is next.
That's it!
Scene 1 Staging
Scene 1 pp. 1 - 6, beginning to m. 8
The story begins. We meet Noye and hear God begin to give his commands to Noye.
Preset before the scene begins are 2 of the Waves (Peggy and Pinkie) as part of the Pond.
The story starts with the congregation singing a hymn. During the hymn, Noye enters using the Center Aisle. He stops at his tree, as if preparing for another day of work. God's voice shakes him out of his daily routine. As Noye and God speak together at m. 5, Noye starts to take down the masking that hides the ark.
At m. 7, Noye calls out SL to his sons and their wives.
End of scene!
The story begins. We meet Noye and hear God begin to give his commands to Noye.
Preset before the scene begins are 2 of the Waves (Peggy and Pinkie) as part of the Pond.
The story starts with the congregation singing a hymn. During the hymn, Noye enters using the Center Aisle. He stops at his tree, as if preparing for another day of work. God's voice shakes him out of his daily routine. As Noye and God speak together at m. 5, Noye starts to take down the masking that hides the ark.
At m. 7, Noye calls out SL to his sons and their wives.
End of scene!
Lions and Tigers and Bears, Oh My!
Ah, Monday. The beginning of the work week for most of us. Two of our co-producers also went to work this past Monday morning. Linda Bressi and Kiki McKendrick, along with Gabi Bressi, spent the morning with the animals. Not their children! The animal costumes. We've got some pretty amazing costumes for this production, which were used for a previous production of Fludde at BMPC. I stopped over to see what was going on and remembered to take some photos.
We've got an Elephant.
What's this? One of the Cats! All of the cats, rats and mice will be performed by the Carol Choir. Their fearless leader, Sandy Martin, has their costumes all ready to go. They will be assigned their official parts at rehearsal on Wednesday, March 10.
Gabi kindly put on a Bird headpiece for me.
Finally, Linda and Kiki, in the midst of the Animal Census.
Aren't these great? Thanks to all who made them back in the 90s and thanks to those who stored them so well. Most are in excellent condition and ready to go.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Rehearsal for Sunday, March 7
We'll be in the Gym this week. Here's what's happening:
12:30 - 1:30 - Staging Scene 9
God, Noye, Mrs. Noye, Sem, Ham, Jaffett, Mrs. Sem, Mrs. Ham, Mrs. Jaffett, Animal Groups**
1:30 - 2:00 - Staging Scene 4
God, Noye, Mrs. Noye, Waves, Sem*, Ham*, Jaffett*, Mrs. Sem*, Mrs. Ham*, Mrs. Jaffett*, Gossips*
2:00 - 2:30 - Staging Scene 1
God, Noye
*Characters are on stage, do not sing, but might have staging. It is best if they are at rehearsal, but it is not absolutely vital.
**It would be great to have any animals join us that would like to, but it is definitely not necessary.
Please let Kiki McKendrick (kikimc@verizon.net) or Heidi Hayes (HeidiLHayes@gmail.com) know if you cannot be at rehearsal. Thanks!
12:30 - 1:30 - Staging Scene 9
God, Noye, Mrs. Noye, Sem, Ham, Jaffett, Mrs. Sem, Mrs. Ham, Mrs. Jaffett, Animal Groups**
1:30 - 2:00 - Staging Scene 4
God, Noye, Mrs. Noye, Waves, Sem*, Ham*, Jaffett*, Mrs. Sem*, Mrs. Ham*, Mrs. Jaffett*, Gossips*
2:00 - 2:30 - Staging Scene 1
God, Noye
*Characters are on stage, do not sing, but might have staging. It is best if they are at rehearsal, but it is not absolutely vital.
**It would be great to have any animals join us that would like to, but it is definitely not necessary.
Please let Kiki McKendrick (kikimc@verizon.net) or Heidi Hayes (HeidiLHayes@gmail.com) know if you cannot be at rehearsal. Thanks!
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
I Wanna Be A Producer
Then you have to talk to David Bravo, Kiki McKendrick and Linda Bressi, as each one of them agreed earlier this week to be co-producers for the Fludde.
So what does a producer do, anyway? The short answer - they are the people behind the scenes who take care of all the nitty-gritty details that the audience never sees, and I mean ALL the details. They work tirelessly to make sure the costumes fit, the set is built, the rehearsals are happening, the tickets are being sold - you get the idea. It is a commitment that doesn't end until the curtain drops on the final performance. Some would call it a thankless job, but let's not let that happen. The next time you see David, Kiki or Linda, make sure to say THANK YOU for the hours and energy they have already given and will continue to give over the next couple of months to Noye's Fludde.
So what does a producer do, anyway? The short answer - they are the people behind the scenes who take care of all the nitty-gritty details that the audience never sees, and I mean ALL the details. They work tirelessly to make sure the costumes fit, the set is built, the rehearsals are happening, the tickets are being sold - you get the idea. It is a commitment that doesn't end until the curtain drops on the final performance. Some would call it a thankless job, but let's not let that happen. The next time you see David, Kiki or Linda, make sure to say THANK YOU for the hours and energy they have already given and will continue to give over the next couple of months to Noye's Fludde.
Monday, March 1, 2010
Scene 5 Staging
Our first staging rehearsal was so efficient that we were able to block the leads into an extra scene. Way to go!
Scene 5 pp. 23-30, m. 33-50
Movement for leads is rather simple. They stand on the stage and respond as the animals approach from their various points of entry. Again, each person has their own individual response. Some are amazed, some are surprised, perhaps Noye is grateful. Some might move out to get a closer look at the animals, but they must do this when they are not singing. Mrs. Noye can't believe this! Another hair-brained idea from her husband! She has to have another drink and laugh with her Gossips. Mrs. Noye and Gossips will probably have to move off of the steps, but stay by the pond.
Each Animal Group has a specific point of entry. They will move as a group down specified aisles. They will move slowly, stopping to look at the people in the audience. They will also stop moving to sing. Their initial movement should get them into the audience. They will stay in the aisles, looking at the audience members (as if the audience is in a zoo).
Good chance there will be changes, particularly with the timing of the entrances, but here's where we start:
Group 1 enters 2 measures before m. 33 through the HR (House Right) back door. They will come down the center aisle.
Group 2 enters 2 measures before m. 35 from the SL (Stage Left) room. This means they will spend the first part of each performance in the SL room. They will come down the HR aisle.
Group 3 enters 2 measures before m. 37 from the HL back steps. They will come down the HL aisle.
Group 4 enters 2 measures before m. 39 from the HR front door. They will go up the center aisle.
Group 5 enters 2 measures before m. 41 from the HR back door. Since these are the mice, rats and cats, all of the other animals get out of the way, as if they are afraid of them. The humans might also be afraid, some might find it humorous that the larger animals are afraid of the smaller animals. GROUP 5 RUNS UP THE CENTER AISLE, STOPS AT A POINT TBD IN REHEARSALS TO SING THEIR KYRIES, AND THEN RUNS IMMEDIATELY INTO THE ARK. Sem, Ham and Jaffett assist them with their movement into the ark.
The other animals begin to move toward the stage to get into the ark. All stairs may be used.
Groups 6 and 7 enter 2 measures before m. 43 from the HL back steps. Depending on their comfort with movement and singing and the general movement of the rest of the animals (are most of them in the ark already?), I would like them to swoop down all 3 aisles, ending at the front of the stage in a group to sing their Kyries. They will then immediately enter the ark.
M. 45 - 46 is the final chance for all of the animals to get in the ark. Noye, Noye's Sons and Wives all assist the animals, making sure they are comfortable. Mrs. Noye and her Gossips are incredulous, next to their pond.
End of Scene 5.
Scene 5 pp. 23-30, m. 33-50
Movement for leads is rather simple. They stand on the stage and respond as the animals approach from their various points of entry. Again, each person has their own individual response. Some are amazed, some are surprised, perhaps Noye is grateful. Some might move out to get a closer look at the animals, but they must do this when they are not singing. Mrs. Noye can't believe this! Another hair-brained idea from her husband! She has to have another drink and laugh with her Gossips. Mrs. Noye and Gossips will probably have to move off of the steps, but stay by the pond.
Each Animal Group has a specific point of entry. They will move as a group down specified aisles. They will move slowly, stopping to look at the people in the audience. They will also stop moving to sing. Their initial movement should get them into the audience. They will stay in the aisles, looking at the audience members (as if the audience is in a zoo).
Good chance there will be changes, particularly with the timing of the entrances, but here's where we start:
Group 1 enters 2 measures before m. 33 through the HR (House Right) back door. They will come down the center aisle.
Group 2 enters 2 measures before m. 35 from the SL (Stage Left) room. This means they will spend the first part of each performance in the SL room. They will come down the HR aisle.
Group 3 enters 2 measures before m. 37 from the HL back steps. They will come down the HL aisle.
Group 4 enters 2 measures before m. 39 from the HR front door. They will go up the center aisle.
Group 5 enters 2 measures before m. 41 from the HR back door. Since these are the mice, rats and cats, all of the other animals get out of the way, as if they are afraid of them. The humans might also be afraid, some might find it humorous that the larger animals are afraid of the smaller animals. GROUP 5 RUNS UP THE CENTER AISLE, STOPS AT A POINT TBD IN REHEARSALS TO SING THEIR KYRIES, AND THEN RUNS IMMEDIATELY INTO THE ARK. Sem, Ham and Jaffett assist them with their movement into the ark.
The other animals begin to move toward the stage to get into the ark. All stairs may be used.
Groups 6 and 7 enter 2 measures before m. 43 from the HL back steps. Depending on their comfort with movement and singing and the general movement of the rest of the animals (are most of them in the ark already?), I would like them to swoop down all 3 aisles, ending at the front of the stage in a group to sing their Kyries. They will then immediately enter the ark.
M. 45 - 46 is the final chance for all of the animals to get in the ark. Noye, Noye's Sons and Wives all assist the animals, making sure they are comfortable. Mrs. Noye and her Gossips are incredulous, next to their pond.
End of Scene 5.
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