For The Record

Hi people I love!

First things first: I miss you guys. Yes, every last one of yous. Sometimes I am so overwhelmed by the beautiful people in my life and how much I love them. I feel as though God gave me too much love for my one little heart to contain. I could burst! I suppose that could be how God feels about us too. Interesting. I'll have to sit and think on that one...

Yep, so I'm just feeling very grateful this quiet almost-autumn morning:). I happen to have this quiet almost-autumn morning off because my rehearsal schedule has shifted dramatically (from approx. 9:30a-6:30p to 1:00p-10:00p). I think I like it. It's much closer to what my actual working hours will be after the show opens.

Why am I punching in at the crack of noon? Well, we're into a new "stage" of the rehearsal process, she said oh so punnily. We're finally on stage! For the last four weeks we have been rehearsing on the "Probebühne" or rehearsal stage, while the brilliant set/lighting/sound designers do their thing on the real stage. Worlds converged last Saturday when 28 very curious actors got their first introduction to the gorgeous set.

DRUMROLL PLEASE...

Since we are rockin' it in the late fifties, the entire stage is a big jukebox! All of the action occurs within this jukebox, complete with a moving arm/needle. The entire top platform is a giant revolving record. Pretty cool.

It's really hard to capture because the thing is just so massive.

The balck thing that these guys are standing on is the revolving 45.

Sadly it's a little difficult to see the incredible detailing on the revolving record if you're not in the balcony. But don't worry- another EVEN BIGGER one drops from the sky in Act 1.

Some of the detail

Fun fact: The show has no traditional curtain. Between acts a jukebox selections list "curtain" is closed, displaying the plethora of songs reocrded by, inspired by, and written about Buddy Holly.

Different perspective on the "Curtain" See any songs you know?

(Note: click photo to make it larger)

I like to pretend that I'm a photographer.

See, I told you.

Seats! There are 1400 of them. Pray that there's a butt in each of them every night!

And, yes, there's even a coin slot built into the stage

(The sign is temporary. Snazzy one comes later:))

Top of the jukebox is lined with (I think, 6) televisions for an effect in the opening sequence

This is part of the backdrop for the finale of Act 1, AKA my big scene!:D

There is so, so much more. Trees falling from the sky, couches popping out of the floor, seemingly Star-Wars inspired recording studios rolling in and out, BUT a girl can only blog so much, you know;).

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I can't forget to tell you about the press conference last week! It was so much fun. The guys who play Buddy and the Crickets kicked it off with a rockstar entrance as they drove a 1956 cadillac through the theatre foyer. The cast sang a few songs from the show and took about a million pictures. The coolest thing was that we got to meet the real Buddy Holly's widow, Maria Elena Holly. She is a treat. At 74 years old she still talks about Buddy as if they were teenagers. She told us the story of how Buddy proposed to her just 5 hours after they first met (and she accepted!). She and Buddy were not even married for six months before his tragic plane crash. However she has dedicated her life to preserving his memory from Dallas to Deutschland. Here is a video with highlights from the press conference:)

http://www.stage-entertainment.de/musicals/buddy/backstage/casting.html

It's mostly in German so here's a little guide. You'll meet:

Dominik, who plays Buddy Holly (He actually sings a bit in the video!)

Yara, who plays Maria Elena Holly

Maria Elena, the actual wife of Buddy Holly

Patrick, who plays The Big Bopper

Maria Elena's interview was originally in English but it's dubbed over. Here's a translation BACK to English:) "I predict that it's gonna be a smash because everyone is so good. And I've heard that they've just had a few rehearsals, so when they finish it will be outstanding. I was a little sad when I saw the young man who will be Buddy- he's only 20, Buddy was 22, so he reminded me of Buddy. And I always say, "See, Buddy, you're here." "

I hope you enjoy the video! I didn't bother translating the entire thing for fear of boring you to sleep. But if you are just itching to know, I'd be happy to fill you in:).

Ciao!

s i d.