Smokey Joe’s CaféThe Songs of Leiber and Stoller Show sponsors:
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Director's diaryApril 12, 2004. The day has finally arrived…auditions are here and I can't believe the size of the talent. Two days of auditions and nearly 50 people to cast nine roles. I couldn't have asked for a better turnout. AND, the auditions are great fun. The production crew are having fun and so are the auditionees. We are laughing, joking and everyone is supportive and encouraging. We also have the "peanut gallery" here. A first, I believe for RLT auditions. Theatre regulars who aren't auditioning but love this show and can't wait to see who shows up, AND they are singing along and laughing too.
April 17, 2004. Callbacks! Whew! We've called back 25 people and I could cast all of them in three different casts, and every one would be just as good. I hate having to make choices like this… By the end of our two-hour callbacks though, it is pretty clear whom we will cast for this one.
April 19, 2004. The first rehearsal. It is interesting to see the relationships starting to form that are so vital to this production and to learn about some of the connections that already exist between this incredible cast. I can tell we will really enjoy this process. I don't think the boys really understand the amount of work they will be required to do. The next few weeks should be very interesting.
May 10, 2004. Our first rehearsal outside. WOW!!! They are all coming to terms with the fact that we didn't lie to them and weren't exaggerating about outdoor theatre. A raked stage, planks instead of solid floor, heat, humidity and no rain, yet…
May 25, 2004. We have now blocked, staged, and choreographed our feet and theirs off. And, even though everyone says I am crazy, they have five days off from rehearsal in which to put all the pieces they have together. All the costumes are pretty much done, and "Oh, God" they are gorgeous. Vicki has outdone herself and they look so good on the individuals. She is a true Goddess. What a great way to leave on a mini vacation! When I come back from Memorial Day weekend, I find out they rehearsed three of the five days off. I knew they were hard workers, very professional and extremely dedicated to this production. God love 'em, they're great. Six weeks of rehearsal and no rain at all. Will it keep going this way? Stay tuned…
June 7, 2004. First tech rehearsal, some missing lights, old sound system, missing "the suits", and not all the scrims and set pieces…next night, more of the same and no band… I am still excited about this fabulous show and cast.
June 10, 2004. Preview. This is the first rehearsal with a new sound system (Thank you, Cate), all the lights and costumes and set. YEAH!!! We are getting into the sixth song or so AND IT RAINS!!!! Arrghhhh.
June 11, 2004. Opening Night. We are finally opening this wonderful show to the public who I am sure won't be able to stay in their seats for wanting to dance and sing along. Almost to the end of Act 1…It RAINS!!!!! Arrrgggghhhh! However the cast does an impromptu concert on the Main Stage for a good portion of the audience and they LOVE it. What else could be expected?!
June 26, 2004. Closing Night. This has been a most challenging and delightful project for me. I am so pleased to have directed this show at RLT. The cast have all become the best of friends and have started new beginnings for some of them. And those relationships have come right onto the stage with them. The crew have been included into those friendships and enjoyed doing all of the work just as much.
It really has been like making a family and I am sorry that we won't be together for this purpose for a while. We laughed and worked so hard and are so happy going to bed at night knowing that this was a wonderful show. Despite the rain and technical difficulties, they would all do it again in a heartbeat just to "Stand By Me" one more time. Thank you from the bottom of my heart to all.
-- Alison "Big Al" Lawrence Members of the castJay Brown OrchestraConductor/Keyboards: Glenn Mehrbach Production crewDirector: Alison Lawrence Photographers: Andy DeLisle, Stuart Wagner, Ray Black, Right Image Photography Box Office Volunteers: Joe Ali, Laura Barrier, Beckie Bumgardner, Harvey Bumgardner, Cornell Chappell, Patsy Clarke, Deanna Eckert, Joyce Donaldson, Lynn Hardison, Connie McDaniel, Rose Melvin, Martha Noyes, Pats Palmer, Linda Pritchard, Linda Shore, Edythe Stanislaw, Jane Stikeleather, Marian Susann, Jean Wilkinson Concessions Crew: Alan Cason, Adrienne Dyson, Lynn Freeman, Wayne Fretwell, Barbette Hunter, Becky Johnston, Catherine Lambe, Ellen Landau, Shawntel Landavazo, Tony Landavazo, David McClutchey, Dee Penven-Crew, Tracie Pierre, Anne Porter, Anita Richmond, Doug Richmond, Don Smith, Gail Smith, Margie Taylor, Rick Taylor, Barbara Wagoner, Helen White, David Wilkinson, Judi Wilkinson Costume Shop Crew: Marie Berry, Beckie Bumgardner, Susan Kimmel, Catherine Lambe, Cheryl Manning-Shaub, Connie McDaniels, Maria Myers, Wayne Olson, Yvonne Terrelongue, Jean Wilkinson Dressers Crew: Robin Hughes (Chief), Marie Berry, Meredith Budlong, Sherry Derry, Roxy Manning, Stef Maus, Wayne Olson, Julie Robinson, Paul Slovensky, Mindy Styers House Managers: Deanna Eckert, Cate Foltin, Lynn Freeman, Carol Friedlander, Larry Miles, Lilo Miles, David Watts Light Crew: Brett Peterman (Chief), Jim Bates, Nick Blinn, Christopher Hawkins, David Langmeyer, Asher Robinson, David Wilk Light Hang/Focus: Chris Bridges, Andrew Dyer, Philip Hocutt, Marty Langlay, Stephen McAdamas, Clint Mitchell, Sam Moryoussef, Asher Robinson, David Wilk Public Relations Crew: Don Akin, Marlys Akin, Athens Drive High School, Keith Bugner, Barbara Corbin, Heidi Dragon, Barbette Hunter, Alison Lawrence, Kelly Murdoch-Kitt, Angela Ray, Melissa Ricketts, Jacqueline Smallwood, Charles Streeter, David Wilkinson Set Construction Crew: Ed Bodell, Keith Bugner, Noel Butzke, Anne-Caitlin Donohue, Peggy Hayes, Tim McKay, L-Jae Levine, Charlie McNeill, Dexter Morgan, Robbie Phillips, John Price, Yolanda W. Rabun, Carrie Santiago, Dick Shirk, Paul Slovensky, Dave Sniffin Sound Crew: Barbara Corbin (Chief), Chris Barefoot, Roger Bridges, Adam Budlong, Keith Bugner Special Thanks To: Arts Access for audio description; Capstone Production Group for Web hosting; City of Raleigh Parks and Recreation Department and Thea Fotiu and Lisa Wallace; Edible Art by Creative Cakes; Luna Designs for Web site design and maintenance; the Raleigh chapter of the National Charity League; PIP Printing for posters; the University Park Homeowners Association; York Properties for shuttle parking. You are here: Photo home > 2003-2004 Yearbook > Smokey Joe’s Café |
