The Search for the Little Red Ball

Yesterday was our first evening in the space ... it was wonderful. We had a blast as we stumbled through the first act, blocking each scene and getting a general sense of how solid the performance will be. Faye is spectacular. She is recovering from a second degree sun burn -- which becomes her, magically -- and is working so hard to be off book all the while being completely present as Kate. Her expertise, professionalism and wonderful insight is an incredible addition to the show, I couldn't have asked for anyone better.

We're all at that very fascinating point where we're not struggling as often for lines and are able to make far more interesting discoveries about the characters. Our reactions are far more candid and our decisions far more deliberate. We also had a great discussion over the choice of having Sylvia on all fours throughout the production. Past shows, including the original with Sarah Jessica Parker had all performed the character standing as a woman -- creating a more up front view of her as the mistress -- and then finding times to have her simply as a dog. When I first worked as the character there was never a doubt in my mind that she was going to be on all fours and Jonathan took to that idea as well. There in lays the dilemma; we cannot make her so much of the dog -- behaving on all fours -- or else we risk losing the feminine mystique that is Sylvia. The discussion prompted a whole new outlook on the character that I can't wait to share with you on August 31.

James Fogel, our sound designer, was also present at rehearsal last night. The environment that he has created for us with music and other effects is brilliant. With the minimalist set -- Bob Peterson was also there too to discuss set design, thanks! -- the sound will step in to solidify the audience's imagination. He was also our only audience member to the hilarity that would ensue.

In one particular scene Greg tosses my little red ball off stage for me to fetch. The problem was when my cue to come back on with the little red ball came, I still had not found it. What would then occur was a whirlwind struggle to find the missing ball. Everyone, including Sean was now onstage searching high and low, pulling back curtains, and looking underneath rehearsal props to find the ball. We were left laughing at ourselves, proposing the possibility that something so ironic would happen during a performance, resolving ourselves to providing a stash of little red balls backstage, just in case this were to occur, and then Sean finally finding it stuck between a light. And so last night truly was the search for the little red ball.

I am due for rehearsal with Jim and Faye at 7pm and have many things to do prior to my meeting. Thus I must end here. Tootles.