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.