Mount Vernon Ohio Performing Arts, Knox County Ohio Performing Arts, Mount Vernon Ohio Theatre, Mount Vernon Ohio Musicals,

As the choreographer of this show, I get the challenge of moving up to 60 people around the stage in an organized fashion.  Dance training amongst the cast varies between absolutely nothing to pre-professional dance.  Everyone is willing to help each other out and are very patient with me while I am teaching the choreography.

Cinderella choreography includes large production numbers, small ensembles, and difficult waltzes.  As soon as the summer musical was cast, we started working on these numbers.  One of the waltzes is a Viennese waltz that I hope sweeps you out of your seat.

Since we move into the theater Saturday, all choreography will need to be finished and fined tuned this week!  The cast is working very hard and putting in extra rehearsal time to make sure they have it down. Do you have your tickets for the show yet?!

Working on a show this size is always challenging, but with the challenges come great rewards. We, as in myself, Janis, Bruce, Bonnie and Diane started talking about what show to do this summer as soon as Annie closed last summer. It was decided early on that Cinderella would be a great show for the community to enjoy again. We started working heavily on prep for this show back in January and haven’t had time to look back since.

As Production Manager my main responsibility is making sure that the left hand knows what the right is doing and vice versa. I keep the lines of communication open between cast, production team and crew. One of my main concerns has been scheduling. With gas prices through the roof I try to be as efficient as possible with the time we ask of the cast. Several of our cast and crew are driving in from out of town, so it’s important that everyone’s time be used well.

At the end of this week we will be moving into the Memorial Theatre which means lots more work and preparation as we begin the final stages of the rehearsal process. We have to move in and hang the backdrops, the set pieces and props. We also have to get the technical side started and set up – lights, sound, etc.  It’s going to be a busy time but it will all be worth it in the end.

This week will be spent running through the show and hitting those spots that still need some work. Once we are in the theatre it will be a lot of stopping and starting as we make sure that the choreography fits, that the set fits, and that everyone knows where their entrances and exits are!

The experience so far has been a blast as always!  It is so much fun discovering new things to do with your character as the rehearsal process continues.  And Bruce Jacklin is always willing to take suggestions from the actor, which really shows a trust that some directors never have.  It is always a great time meeting new people while also working with those you've worked with a dozen times (Richard McKinley)..  Learning choreography,which has always been my least favorite thing to do, has now become my favorite part. The Color-Wheel Waltz is my favorite part of the show and I can't watch it because I'm in it!!  I simply can not wait to hear the audiences reaction to the dancing, the singing, the acting and the magic of our talented cast and crew. Months of hard work and dedication from the entire cast and crew is working to put on a great production of Cinderella at the Memorial. I hope to see all of you there!

Ian E.

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