May

3rd May

Sang through finale
Staged film sequences

Finale - Singing
Today we sang through the finale, adding to what we had already sung previously, which was the 'Singin' In The Rain' section of the ending. The ending has four sections to it, starting with 'Broadway Ballet', then moving into 'You Were Meant For Me', then 'Good Morning' before finishing with another 'Singin' In The Rain' section. The songs are familiar as we have sung through each of them already, and they are some of the most famous songs from the show, which allows for the cast members to project and give a strong performance.

Film Sequences - Staging
As we didn't have any of the costume or camera euqipment, we decided to stage roughly the film sequences, explaining what we wanted to Joel, who plays Roscoe Dexter, who will be filming the short films next week. We wanted wacky characters for the villains, as it is described as "pantomime on screen" and therefore the fight sequences need to be manic and comedic at the same time.

10th May

Polished Musical Numbers
Changed and Finished Good Morning
Ran Act One
Filmed first silent film

The start of this rehearsal consisted of polishing the musical numbers covered so far. This allowed us to reflect on our current performance standards, and ensure that by the next time we perform these musical numbers they will be of the standard required for show week. I felt that this was a valuable section of rehearsals, allowing myself to gain confidence in my own performance, and see how the cast as a whole have grown in terms of performing to a professional standard required for show week.

The main one that we rehearsed was You Stepped Out Of A Dream which I take the lead in. We staged it properly, and this helped me to achieve the character required for the song and scene. I was happy with how it went, and felt much more comfortable singing in front of the others when I was in character as Don Lockwood.

Whilst these rehearsals took place, Jamie Knights took myself, Chloe and Tom out to rehearse Good Morning, and also finalise it to flow into the next scene. We were given the final bits of choreography, to which Chloe and Tom adapted to it successfully and quickly.  After working on it with strong minds, I feel that we as a trio can perform Good Morning to a decent standard, with a few tweaks to character, it will be ready for show week.

After the break we ran act one. I was much more confident with lines but I still need to learn them properly.

17th May

Sang Broadway Ballet
Sang harmonies for Fit As A Fiddle
Learnt Broadway Ballet choreography

To make sure the cast were familiar with the song, we sang through Broadway Ballet in its entirety. This was a successful run of the song, with everyone projecting well and enjoying the song. This helped for later, when we went on to dance the song.

Whilst people rehearsed the opening to Broadway Ballet, Tom and I revised the harmonies for Fit As A Fiddle. I wasn't satisfied with my own performance here, as I keep forgetting my harmony alongside Tom. I have established that when I sing alongside someone else, I seem to attach myself to their pitch, a flaw to which I need to aim to correct for the next rehearsal.

31st May

Rehearsed 'Good Morning'
Learnt the start of 'Singin' In The Rain' dance
Ran act one to just before 'Good Morning'
Ran act two staging scenes as we went

Tom, Chloe and I decided to run over 'Good Morning' with Jamie to ensure the performance was up to the standard required for the show. Jamie was satisfied with our performance in terms of characterisation, however there were a few moves which required some attention, in order for them to be correct the next time we performed. Overall we were all rather happy with the rehearsal, and we were glad that we met up early in order to rehearse the song at the 44Two Sports Club. We them travelled to Rainham Girls School to join the rest of the cast for the scheduled rehearsal.

Upon arrival, Jamie and I began choreographing 'Singin' In The Rain'. We got through around 50 seconds of the dance break before the rehearsal with the rest of the cast began. I am happy with the choreography so far, as in discussion myself and Jamie agreed that we want this number to push me in terms of dance ability and I want to make it a rather memorable number.

Once the rehearsal began, we ran act one without scripts up to the 'Good Morning' scene. This was quite a successful run, but I'd like to focus on my lines even more to ensure that I know them without having to refer to my script when I'm not on stage.

We then had a break, and I rehearsed the musical numbers I was in, to ensure that they were drilled in my brain, much like 'Fit As A Fiddle' is now. We then ran act two, staging the scenes as we went. I noticed I'm in a lot less in Act 2 than in Act 1, which means I get some rest! Especially as the end of Act 1 is musical number after musical number, which means I rarely leave the stage. I am happy with this, but it can be tiring if I haven't warmed up properly or if I have had little sleep!