Next up are tech rehearsals which also began over the weekend. Here we added sets rolling on and flying in and out, spectacular lighting cues, wireless microphones, and over 150 costumes. Just getting a cast of 33 dressed in time for each scene requires incredible coordination and planning backstage. And just to add to the fun, for the first time, the cast would be singing and dancing to a live orchestra. Though they’re playing the same music actors heard in rehearsal, tempos and rhythms have to be carefully coordinated so everyone’s on the same page. Bernstein’s jazzy score, while brilliant makes this very challenging. Choreographer Kevin P. Smith and Music Director Wendell Smith had their hands full. Still, though the show is still coming together—the set not all painted and costumes still to be fitted, the show already is shaping up into something dazzling.
(The Sharks dance in “I Want To Be In America”)
(“When You’re A Jet, You’re The Top Cat In Town”)
(Professional Resident Actor Viveka Chandrasekaran as Maria sings “I Feel Pretty” with the Shark girls)