Peter Pan

So, last week's trip was quite interesting. I always say that there really is no such thing as bad theatre because you should always find something you appreciate about a production when the curtain falls. I have seen Peter Pan multiple times, and with each, I had a different reaction. Sometimes when you see a stage performance that doesn't speak to you, it is hard to tell if it is because of the script, the cast, the staging, or just a combination of the elements.

Friday's show was one that I enjoyed, but had some trouble with pieces. The 35 yr old Peter with tatoos wasn't really my image of Pan. Although his voice was lovely, his dancing superb, and his heart was definitely in the performance, there was something lacking. As performers, you should draw upon experiences to make the character real. I think our aging Pan was too far removed from the innocence of youth. What he attempted to bridge with comedy came across as campy and overdone. That said, I did want to share a clip of the Pan that always comes to my mind...Cathy Rigby. Although not young and not an actress by trade, she really comes through with an innocence that makes you realize Pan just "won't grow up."

One Week Down

This week has been interesting....it feels like time has flown by, but at the same time, I feel like we have accomplished so much! I know all of us (the teachers) have been really impressed by our group this year - we have this incredibly focused and talented group of young people. We often find ourselves making comments about how awesome you will be five weeks from now.

I first selected Mulan almost a year ago. As Into the Woods was coming to a close last summer, my mind starting looking forward to the next summer. I wanted to find an equally challenging show that I could build a course around. When I found Mulan, I felt there was no question; however, I didn't get to hear the full score until I received the show kit about one month ago. I remember calling Miss Tracy a little nervous about the difficulty of the music - I wanted her opinion. She said she wasn't worried, but she wanted to hear the CD and we'd talk. That evening, after listening to the music, she sent me a one line e-mail..."So, glad I like a challenge!"

So, I must admit, we were prepared to really buckle down on the music, totally not expecting you to pick it up quickly. And by the end of the first week, all I can say, is you guys rock! Thank you for all of your hard work and sincerely hope each of you are enjoying this course as much as each of us are enjoying working with you!