Week One Rehearsals

• SPACE/PROXEMICS
• CHARACTER
• SCENES

In the first week of rehearsals the cast spent some time considering and exploring the thrust stage configuration that we are working with. They were encouraged to find 'hot spots', places where a particular relationship could be established with audience and fellow actors. This was explored further improvising short scenes between characters with specific given circumstances; a couple on a first date, an argument, a reunion at an airport.

We then started to explore Laban Efforts as a 'way in' to character. The laban efforts can be a useful tool when working on stage to make clear character choices right from the first rehearsal.

We also rough blocked Act 1, Scenes 1 to 6, each scene was read through and then staged.

Roaring Twenties

http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/history/mwh/usa/1920s_video.shtml

http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/history/mwh/usa/1920srev1.shtml

http://www.history.com/topics/roaring-twenties

Prohibition and speakeasies

New York Magazine Article on Daniel Okrent's book Last Call: The Rise and Fall of Prohibition,

An article on the history of the speakeasy

What is prohibition?

Background and world of the show

Overview of the show's history

1956 British Musical Chrysanthmum

1967 American Musical Comedy Film Thoroughly Modern Millie (Julie Andrews/Beatrice Lillie/Mary Tyler Moore)

2000 Musical by Jeanine Tesoro Music, Dick Scanlan Book and Lyricsopens at La Jolla, California

2002 Musical opens Broadway at the Marquis Theatre

2003 Musical opens West End at the The Shaftesbury Theatre

NEW YORK IN THE 1920s

Great sense of style, period and setting