So here we are, we open in a few weeks and it is hard to believe especially for a show that we've been anticipating since Oct '09. This is the phase where some parts of the production are really starting to gel and others not so much. This may look different for every actor in the show, for some reason one dance or song or scene just always flows while another seems like you've never heard it before. I was actually joking at a rehearsal last week wondering if I missed a prior rehearsal, knowing I haven't because one scene just didn't seem at all familiar.
As mentioned in prior posts the cast needs to spend a lot of time putting content/context into our back story and relationships with the other characters. I believe Delores knows the following characters very well prior to attending this party - Queenie, Kate, Oscar & Phil, Sam (of course), Madelaine True; acquaintances -Mae & Eddy; meeting for the first time - black, lois, nadine, ellie, jackie (though she's seen him perform before). I believe she knows Burrs but is not a "burrsie" fan.
So here are some random thoughts about this charater. As mentioned, I believe she is of distant Puerto Rican descent. She grew up with hard working parents that sent her to dance and music classes. She left home to pursue a career on the Vaudeville stage without the talent or creativity for her to ever get her footing in the industry. Through this journey she met some powerful men who, including an up and coming producer who would not leave his wife but enjoyed using her on the side. She hated this but hoped that it would either end in a committed relationship or investment in her career (ending up with neither). He took care of her financially for a short time and when that started to fade she was desparate for money. In addition, his partying lifestyle left her craving drugs, booze and some comfort that she was in no position to provide for her on her own. In the midst of this transition she was introduced to a man who promised her some financial stability in the world of prostitute. She thought short term this would give her some stability but the comfort and lifestyle it provided made it hard to resist. In addition, she was able to send some money home to her parents which helped her justify the need to continue.
Sam reminds her of her prior relationship with a producer and she is careful to not appear too desparate though she dreams that things will end up differently this time around. She is careful not to demand too much from him, in part because she questions her worth since this lifestyle has hardened her and her feelings of self worth. The D'Armano brothers have been friends for quite some time and Delores sees real promise in them as well as a potential role in their success (way out) if she can get someone (Sam) to give them their first break. Delores and Kate know eachother, paths have crossed on numerous occassions and they have led similar lives. Delores has known Madeleine True since she moved to the city however they have not seen eachother as often as they used to.
We have our last group dance rehearsal tomorrow and a full run through on Thursday. There's a lot that needs to be decided on during the 'party' portions of the show and what's happening in the background. I looked up games during the 1920's to find that poker and solitaire were popular. There's so much opportunity to interact on stage that we'll need to talk about setting conversation and action when possible.
I spent today going over our music rehearsals and dance numbers. Finally burned them on cd so now I can play them easily in the car just to reinforce those certain areas in a few songs that I need to be reviewed.
That's all for now, more to come...
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