Back from a very, very whirlwind Portland, where I saw Chris Coleman’s production of CABARET at PCS and did the chorus/Flatland workshop, and pitched Matt & Ben. As usual, Jessica & the Many Hats folks were fantastic.

It was a challenging but good workshop. It was easier than we had expected to get people to be triangles and Pentagons – Jessica led some character “drafts” sessions that reminded me of commedia work, where everyone works on being one character together –
“Two Squares greet each other crossing in the street.”
“Little Squares playing in the schoolyard.”
She’s so good.
But despite her help, it was infinitely harder than I had dreamed to see how it integrated with the text.

I’m starting to realize that using the improvised chorus like a jazz method is going to be as hard, if not harder, than “blocking” – since good improvisation with structure needs just as much attention to detail. I got kind of discouraged at that realization, but am trying to stay positive.

The actors liked the text. They particularly connected to the “Code of Women” and the restrictions the Victorian era placed on them. And Michael Rohd came to observe the end of it – good to finally meet him. But I still feel very exhausted at the idea of the massive amount of work that staging FLATLAND would be.

I may just be worn out from my delayed flight the next day. I was late to the understudy rehearsal and only arrived in time for half an hour of work with Joan. Rebecca and Heather ran lines, and that was helpful for her, but I still feel like I screwed that up. Remind me to never again fly on the same day I have another commitment – ever?

I did, however, really enjoy getting to be specific with Joan. Even half an hour of good work with someone makes ten hours of airports and trains seem worth it.