| PACIFIC OVERTURES |
| Rehearsal Journal Page 5 |
| Wednesday August 8, 2001 Did I mention I am absolutely just having the time of my life! My call tonight was supposed to be for 7:30 along with the rest of the cast. An earlier call was made for select people to work on the dance break in the finale number "Next." Having nothing else to do, and fearing that I might get stuck in traffic later, I decided to come directly to the studio after work. At the studio I spent a few minutes in the piano room going over some intervals within the song. Afterwards I headed towards the studio with the intention of studying my lines until call. Linda came up to me and asked me why didn't I come join them to learn the dance break. My first reaction was that it would be presumptuous to do that, not having been requested by Francis to be there. Linda told me, however, that Francis just said that anybody could try to learn the number for the heck of it and that "no judgements will be made." So, gathering up my courage, I asked Francis if I could stay to learn the dance, to which he responded enthusiastically! He was a little concerned about my feet since I didn't have any proper dancing shoes on, but I assured him I would take it easy with my feet on the hardwood floor. The dance number was great! It has a very driving beat, 1-2-3-pom-puh-pom-puh-pom, very afro/carribean - almost like the Carnaval drums! I was worried that I wasn't getting it right away like Erwin, Alex or Romar, but I think I was keeping up fairly well. After about 45 minutes or so of teaching us the combination, I was simply ELATED that he chose me among the 8 core dancers! The other seven are: Erwin (the star dancer, of course!), Alex, Romar, Michael, Nicole, Linda and Eryn Maybruck! I feel so lucky to be part of that group. Francis referred to us as his "Ballerina Babies!" During break, Erwin told me that for the finale I might be costumed as a Fireman! I think that's really cool. I'm not sure why I don't feel a businessman would be out of place in the dance break and wwhy a fireman is better suited, but I just seem tolike the idea better. Of course, Erwin could have been mistaken. Maybe Lawrence Thoo is supposed to be the fireman : ( |
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| After running the dance sequence a few times, we proceeded to run the whole finale with the dance break and with music. It sure felt sooo good. As I was standing in our finale line, I can't help but feel really fortunate to not only be included with such a wonderful group of thespians but also feel fortunate at the opportunities I am presented with in this show! I truly hope this is just the start of a wonderful relationship! By the way Hisato taught me how to say Goodnight (or is it Good-bye?) in Japanese: "Ayusumi nasai!" --well, I think that's how you would write it.... |