Opening Nights are always anticipated with fear and trepidation. Will the children remember their lines? Their dances? Their cues? Will there be enough backstage helpers? Will the sound run correctly? Will we get the lavalier mics operational and turned up at the right times? Will the kids make their costume changes? Will the sets malfunction?
But whether we are ready or not, the show will go on.
One dance number from "The Adventures of Dick Whittington" that is just plain fun and pretty well polished is "Too, Too Much to Do." In this number, the Cook (the "Dame" character from Old English Pantomime) is a cranky, over-bearing task-master of the kitchen. She is very intimidating and keeps the workers on their toes. The beautiful young actress wears a garish pink wig and loud make up and even wears a "fat" suit so that she can waddle around on the stage. She is getting used to getting laughs. Hope she keeps her composure! It is a fun number.
Another element to Old English Pantomime that I am introducing tonight is the "Sing-a-Long." The audience doesn't know it yet, but they have a job to do. They get to join in singing on some of the songs. I have the Narrators primed to wave their arms and get the audience to sing along at certain parts of the songs. I sure hope it works. I will explain things and practice with them before the show begins. The words are printed on the back of the program.
There is too, too much to do!
There is too, too much to do!
With all too few on this clumsy crew,
There is too, too much to do!
I had the opportunity to try this idea out at a women's club meeting where I was asked to tell about my newest play. I gave them each a copy of the lyrics and motioned to them when they should sing with me. These older gals seemed to enjoy that very much. They thought it was so enjoyable to feel a part of the performance.
Wish us good luck!
But whether we are ready or not, the show will go on.
One dance number from "The Adventures of Dick Whittington" that is just plain fun and pretty well polished is "Too, Too Much to Do." In this number, the Cook (the "Dame" character from Old English Pantomime) is a cranky, over-bearing task-master of the kitchen. She is very intimidating and keeps the workers on their toes. The beautiful young actress wears a garish pink wig and loud make up and even wears a "fat" suit so that she can waddle around on the stage. She is getting used to getting laughs. Hope she keeps her composure! It is a fun number.
Another element to Old English Pantomime that I am introducing tonight is the "Sing-a-Long." The audience doesn't know it yet, but they have a job to do. They get to join in singing on some of the songs. I have the Narrators primed to wave their arms and get the audience to sing along at certain parts of the songs. I sure hope it works. I will explain things and practice with them before the show begins. The words are printed on the back of the program.
There is too, too much to do!
There is too, too much to do!
With all too few on this clumsy crew,
There is too, too much to do!
I had the opportunity to try this idea out at a women's club meeting where I was asked to tell about my newest play. I gave them each a copy of the lyrics and motioned to them when they should sing with me. These older gals seemed to enjoy that very much. They thought it was so enjoyable to feel a part of the performance.
Wish us good luck!
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