| PACIFIC OVERTURES |
| Rehearsal Journal |
| Friday July 27, 2001 Linda Chuan and I both performed in Guggenheim Entertainment's production of TECHKNOWLEDGEY COURT : COMMUNICATIONS at Eastridge Mall in San Jose. WE were both very tired but headed straight after the show to rehearsal for Pacific Overtures.After grabbing a quick bite to eat at Jack In the Box on Hamilton and Willow, we arrived at the rehearsal studio about 8:45 pm. (rehearsal started at 7 pm). Most of the cast (except leads) were there for music rehearsal. Billy Liberatore was taking them through the first number "Advantages". We did quick introductions for Linda and myself and then sat down with them. Everyone sounded marvelous!!! The music was so moving, the songs so melodic. It was such a great treat to sit and listen to singing that sounded so big in the studio. We took a break and also went over music for the closing song "Next". During the break I introduced myself to a few more people and gathered flyers and schedules meant for the cast. I also looked over the callboard which had small photocopies of cast members' headshots. Billy came over and commented on "what a handsome cast" this was! I'm so excited to be part of this cast.... |
| Saturday July 28, 2001 My call was 12 pm. I walked in a few minutes early (about 11:40 am) to Don Masuda and Ev Shiro singing a beautiful, haunting song called "No Other Way". This is the first time I've heard Don Masuda sing and I must admit, all the good comments I've heard about him was deserved -- He sounds great! Together with Ev, they create a very moving piece. At noon we reviewed all the group numbers, including the chorus parts of "Four Black Dragons" which also sounds neat. For lunch, a few of us made our way to Stanford Shopping Center. Audrey Lee, Dana Shew and Romar DeClaro had to be back by 3 pm but Linda, Nicole Tung and I hung out with Dave until about 4:30. Linda bought somehting at every store we went to! That Linda! When I got back, Billy, Tony (the music intern) and I worked on my part of "Please Hello." |
| Sunday July 29, 2001 Today started early 10 am. Again, we reviewed the group songs. Billy drilled us not only in pitches and rythm but he is very much a stickler for vowels as opposed to the consonants. Of course, the songs do tend more towards the operatic than pop or musical theatre so that makes sense. Today is a short day for me since I am not in the "Kanagawa" number as either a "Kanagawa Girl" or a "kurogo", those black-clad actors who move props and scenery (in this case, folding screens) -- and sometimes even actors -- during the show. Oh, well! I better enjoy my time off when I can...! |
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| Above: The Kanagawa girls: (l to r) Nicole, Linda, Dana, Eryn and Ev |