I know you wish you were hanging out with me today. Up at 5, out the door at 6:15, and it’s Saturday. Whaaat?

1. Get to bakery by 6:20
2. On the road to school by 6:30
3. Stop at classroom and get huge coffeemaker (makes me mad I forgot that yesterday)
4. Go to rehearsal room, make coffee, meet Stoney
5. Rehearse from 9 till 4
6. Home by 5-5:30 p.m.
7. Jake and Justin arrive at 6 (yay!)
8. Play with J & J all evening
9. J & J go home 9 a.m. Sunday
10. Off to school to set up for orchestra rehearsal
11. Rehearsal from 1-3 p.m.
12. To classroom to get work done & practice
13. Home in time for dinner
14. Die till 5 a.m. Monday, when it all starts again

I’m not complaining, though. Like the Thriller says: I can’t not do it. Heh.

Mark, set, go. What’s up for your weekend?

There is progress.

Last night’s Act I run-through was painful in places — especially when Stoney brought down the Stone Cold Stunner on the cast and crew. But as anyone in theater (or sports) knows, directors (coaches) yell. One has to have a cast-iron stomach, and the hide to match, in order to function in live theater. It’s just the way of the thing.

Still, the actors are showing signs of life. I will throw my hat on the table and say that I think we’re where we need to be, eight days out.

Yipes — eight days.

After the students left last night, the three directors chatted about what keeps people coming back to do shows, given the hard work and sometimes, frankly, the suffering that takes place. We are convinced it’s because of the payoff; the love from the audience. I’m not sure why the crew keep coming back — they don’t really get any audience love. I’m sure they derive great pleasure, however, from lurking in the dark, plotting world domination. They don’t seem to crave the spotlight actors need, even though they know the show depends heavily upon their work in between scenes. I’ve never understood backstage techies…that’s why we have Greg.

The three movie sequences used during the performance (shot and edited by Finkville’s own Tom Hanks) are a highlight of the show. If you’re in the area, get a ticket. The short films alone are worth the price of admission. But we’d like to think the singing, acting and dancing will add to the overall effect.

Keep it up, kids. We’re almost there. Progress…