Mookie Riffic

At my high school our spring show is going to be Oklahoma and in the past month since we've started it I've realized a couple things about the show in general. Mainly I've noticed that I personally do not like the story line itself or some of what happens in it. I've watched the 1955 version on VHS when I found out we're doing it, and I figured I might as well familiarize myself with it seeing as I'm going to be a stage manager, head of stage crew, and possible assistant director (why yes, I am crazy, why do you ask?). Well when watching the movie my initial thoughts were as follows:

-I really don't like sopranos much... too much air not enough actual voice...
-That’s not a dream dance... that’s a Crack Dream!!!
-Brilliant.. Kill a guy and then sing about it being a beautiful morning.... Humm...

I was skeptical about the show at that point, but I figured I'd wait to see our cast list before making any predictions about the success of the show (I don't know why, but everyone always asks me that.. as if I have some sort of ForeSight or something...). I also decided I needed to watch the Hugh Jackman version of it and once again my thoughts followed the same general lines, though I will admit that Hugh Jackman did really well (I already knew he could sing from my CD Boy from Oz) but he did better in the part then I expected.

So in general when rehearsal started I wasn't to thrilled with the show, and I was a bit pessimistic about the whole thing. But it’s growing on me. The guy playing Curly is actually a very good singer and actor, but its so hilarious because I don't think the boy can sing and dance simultaneously unless he really knows it well. Also the guy playing Curly, Joe, is louder then the whole ensemble, and he isn't even trying yet! Our show is fraught with hilarity and internal drama trauma, and its only going to remain so.

The most hilarious moment was when Joe had to skip rehearsal for a doctor’s appointment, and for most this isn't a big deal, but with Joe gone his understudy had to step in. Joe's understudy is the boy that plays Jud Fry, and Jud's Understudy is the Judge, and the Judge doesn’t have an understudy. So not only were all of the lead boys shifted around, and none knew their parts- shame on them, yours truly had to fill in for the Judge. And let me tell you that in itself was hilarious because A) I make cats howl when I sing, B) I have no rhythm, C) my dancing partner is taller and weighs more then me, and she expected me to be able to lift her up. Next time Joe is absent I am refusing to fill in.

So anyway, back to my point. The show as a whole I think will be good, but I personally don’t like it. Though I am really excited about our set. The songs are starting to grow on me too, even if the plot isn’t, but mainly they are growing on me because they are such earworms. Oh… the Farmer and the Cowman should be friends… Oh the farmer and the cowman should be friends. *Bangs head* That one is a personal nemesis now because I can’t get it out of my head!

One of the teachers in charge of the show says that it’s my time to blossom. And I kind of agree, because I’m really enjoying my new responsibilities. But in a way I don’t quite think I’m ready to “Blossom”. Since I’m the most experienced Stage Manager (1 has done a show before, and 2 are rookies whereas I have 4 shows) and I’m in charge of organizing who does what there, and I’ve actually gotten to run a few of the rehearsals with out a teacher around, I’m not sure I’m ready for everything. Most of the kids in drama now come to me to ask about things like costumes, and I’ll admit I like being able to answer their questions or being able to direct them to the right person I sometimes wonder if I’m doing everything right. Its just a little niggly thought at the back of my head that constantly whispers “Are you sure?” And to be truthful, I have no earthly idea. At least once a week I get asked a question where I don’t know the answer and the directors aren’t around so I’m forced to make a split decision. I’ve yet to decide wrong when I make these “executive decisions” but that’s mainly through luck and talking to the directors/teachers on almost a peer to peer level instead of student to teacher. I don’t want to mess up, even though I know its bound to happen I’m constantly worried.

It is kind of cool though how as the cast realizes that I know what I’m doing (even though I mostly fake it) they are starting to come to me for more then just drama-related stuff. My friend Liz (whom I’ve replaced as stage manager) said that a stage manager not only keeps track of all the technical stuff, but they keep track of the emotional/personal stuff. I didn’t really think she was serious, and I just thought that it was because she herself is such an awesome friend to so many, but its true. Its almost like the more competent people think I am, the more people come to me to rant, cry, worry, and get comfort. Its not really something I’m used to doing for so many. I actually googled up a stage manager’s desired qualities, and Liz was right! The website (I lost the link) said that an effective stage manager needs to be able to be a stern task maker, while being able to be a friend, confidant, parent-figure, and authoritative. I hope I have those qualities, for I think working in theater as a stage manager or technical director is where I’m headed.

I’m going to do fine, I think. I have to, I mean if an actor can memorize all their lines and blocking then surely I can do okay. Now I just have to get Farmer and the Cowman out of my head!

Yes I know I ramble quite a bit, but I really don't care. :)