The Full Cast Reading

Everyone got together in our living room for a read of the whole script.

We could barely find enough chairs for the 15 people.   In addition to the eleven actors, Director Dennis Devine and his Assistant Director, Jan Morris were there as well as Art Director, Tom VonLogue Newth, and newly hired Make Up Artist, Cat Alfonso.

It was like a big party. Some of the actors had just been on another production together, so they were sharing on that subject. Others were just getting acquainted.  I was rushing around trying to get everyone's contract and gov't forms signed and copied. Pat was busy with refreshments and snacks. This kind of happening can be overload for me, but I love meeting new people, especially when we share something in common.

The reading seemed to start slow. A lot of the first part of the story is setup. That could be a big mountain to climb when we get to distribution. I'm hoping the suspense, the visuals and the music will carry it along.

Things started to pick up at the first dancing lesson scene. Dewitt trying to absorb dancing into his rational mind turns out to be funny.  So is Maria's phone call from the bathroom. Things got even better with Dewitt's scene with his mother and aunts. Marguerite Sawyer and Jean Alden killed as the two aunts. The emotional scenes with D&M were good and carried right through to the end.

Afterwards, people were getting along so well, they had no problem staying for the final dance scene which Dylan directed skillfully. They all had a marvelous time with that.