IMFourPlay

Reviewing the In-House Preview: Rehearsal Number Twenty-Three

Thursday night marked our in-house SAK sneak preview of the new and improved show, with an invited audience of SAK friends and family members. We did this last year as a way of testing the structure before presenting it to the paying public, and it proved to be a successful choice. While I was less concerned that the format itself would hit (as we had the benefit of last year's run and a more generous rehearsal period to get most of the bugs out of the system), I was still keen to repeat this experiment. In addition to helping us see how various new elements of the show play, it also serves as a nice confidence booster going into this weekend's public preview. Long form is such a scary undertaking, that a friendly audience goes a long way to emotionally and psychologically preparing us for the journey ahead.

It was a very playful and solid show. Mark took on the role of a blockbuster employee who only worked for the five free rentals a week and the friendship of an oddball Irish man living behind the store; Darren embodied a love-torn young man pursuing the unpursuable woman while a less obvious flower waited in the wings; Robyn was torn as a young woman living in delicious sin under the shadow of an overbearing and demanding older soon-to-be-wed sister; while I was a volleyball-playing momma's boy trying to score with the ladies with my equally ill-equipped wing-man. As will often be the case, Mark was voted as the star for the second act (he's just so charming!!) His life spiraled further into corporate misery until meeting Darren's formerly overlooked friend who brought love and meaning to his life after a series of escalating plot twists and turmoils. With only a few mis-steps, act one was quite an enjoyable rollercoaster ride with strong commitment and energy. We learnt some good lessons in act two, particularly that it's difficult to put a character who starts the act with so little into further jeopardy (we should have, perhaps, built him up first, only to then threaten his new found happiness), and that care needs to be taken when selecting the antagonist. As Mark's boss, I was the obvious choice in some ways, but Gina noted correctly, that this was not as potentially rich as perhaps following a more unexpected choice. Despite a few glitches with some awkward song introductions and placements, the second act still made it to the station with good doses of finesse and grace. On a personal note, I had a lot of fun tonight and got out of my director's head. It was a blast playing with Mark, Darren and Robyn... (That's us in our final pose pictured left.)

Fellow creative trailblazer, Bob Kodzis, of Flight of Ideas, emailed the company some kind words which he has given me permission to cite an excerpt from below. I'm sure you're all getting tired of my opinion on all of this, so I thought it would be refreshing to get an outsider's perspective:

"I wanted to let you know how truly impressed I am with your amazing gifts.

I thoroughly enjoyed the show tonight. I know you can all find areas for tweaking and improvement, but what I experienced tonight was a tight, hilarious joy filled show with unbelievable lyrical and vocal dexterity. Do whatever you feel you need to do to make it the best show possible, but do not lose sight of the fact that you are creating something so mind-blowing and miraculous. It was astounding to watch you weave stories and characters and songs onto the show tonight... great characters with hearts and flaws and connections. I will be sending as many people as I can to see the show this season. I loved Four Play last year. I love what I saw tonight even more. I think this has the potential to be a national touring show. [...]

Four play is an amazing structure and convention. Put into action it becomes amazingly simple and beautiful. I hope the community comes out to experience your genius.

[...] Thank you all for a truly inspiring performance"

Bob is a true paragon of generosity. I commented to Mark this morning as we were walking to a radio interview about the show that many people are quick to share negative commentary while whispering praise, while Bob is always the first to share his joy and encouragement loudly and publicly. We hope to live up to his confidence...

I feel that I am within days of retiring my directing hat with this project. Gina is showing great skill in the intermission discussions and I have every confidence in her ability to help us keep the ship on course throughout the run.

If you were in attendance on Thursday night and have some thoughts, we'd love to hear them...

Your nearing-the-finish-line Director, David C.