For the past 8 weeks I have been working along side an incredible group to put on the latest Summer Musical at Church Hill Theatre.
When I heard that the Theatre was going to do Jesus Christ Superstar I knew I wanted to be part of the production. Since I’m not a singer nor can I dance very well, I knew to be part of the show I would have to be part of the Production Crew. Upon learning that Shelagh Grasso was going to be the Director wiggled myself into being the Assistant Stage Manager. Michelle Christopher has been Shelagh’s Stage Manager of choice and Michelle and I have wanted to work together for some time. I am the de-facto theatre photographer as well.
Early April was the time for auditions. I watched most of the audition process and helped Shelagh, Choreographer Kendall Davis and Musical Director Julie Lawrence by taking video of the auditions.
Shortly afterward the selected cast began rehearsals. Some of the 31 cast members I knew well, others not as well, and quite a few not at all.
This past weekend we had our first weekend of shows. Each of the three performances were sold-out. We are anticipating that all of the performances will be sell-outs. Two of the remanding 6 are already sold-out.
This has been a true community project of talented people. Shelagh, along with directing the show designed the set. Her husband Carmen along with a few others built the set. The youngest person in the cast is 13 with the oldest being 70. There are three married couples with one of them even having a daughter as part of the cast. A brother and sister. Some with a lot of time on the stage and a few that haven’t been in a production since High School, 30 to 40 years ago. One member of the cast had just recently had knee replacement surgery and another has an artificial leg.
Queen Anne’s County is where Church Hill Theatre is located and some of the cast live in the county. But there are members that live in Kent, myself include, Caroline and Talbot County. This makes for it being truly regional.
After the weekend of shows I have heard nothing but great reviews. I am looking forward to the next 2 weekend and once it ends. I will be slightly depressed that I won’t be seeing this group of folks three times a week. But I also know that I have made new friends.