Flower Drum Song: Rehearsals Optional

I have a new declaration to make: rehearsals are NOT over-rated. In fact, they are essential. Not only do I need rehearsals in order to do my best work as an actor, I need them to maintain my mental and cardio-vascular health.

Take, for instance, my most recent experiences on stage as a performer. Last year, I took part in a festival called "The Double Shot." Instant theatre, instant acting, instant stress. I believe I chronicled this nightmare in my previous blog posting.

Now fast forward to 2010. I am cast in the wonderful Rodgers and Hammerstein masterpiece "Flower Drum Song" at the Tacoma Musical Playhouse.

In TMP's production, I am asked to play a minor character, the owner of a fortune cookie factory, who appears in one brief scene. The rest of the time I am an "extra" in a couple of crowd scenes. But, for the final weekend of the show, I was the designated replacement for the role of Madame Rita Liang, a principal character who is featured in 2 solo numbers. GASP!

Hey, musical theatre has been my life-long dream, but almost never a reality, due to my weak singing voice. This opportunity, though brief, would be my dream come true.

I did everything a conscientious actor would do to prepare. I was off-book for my lines before the deadline. I ran through my scenes at home, created my character with care, and took voice training to get myself up to speed for the songs.

But, did I get to rehearse with the cast and crew of the show? Well....not really.

During the week before my performances, I got to run through my scenes with one of the actors in the cast. None of the other actors were asked to come. No orchestra. No lights, sound or costumes.

All the other elements of my performance were experienced for the first time live in front of a sold-out audience. If I thought the Double Shot Festival was stressful, Flower Drum Song was an occasion to call 911.

But, I pulled it off. My family and many of my dear friends and co-workers came to share in the moment. Most theatre folks, including the directors and fellow actors I hoped would see me in this, were not there, however. It was Mother's Day weekend, and most people were busy with other things.

In the long run, I guess it doesn't really matter how many shows I got to do, or how many people came to see it. I know I am an actor. I know I am good at what I do. Even if no one else notices, I still know these things about myself.

I also know I can do it under stressful circumstances and still do good work. I prayed a lot backstage that day. God heard me. He helped me do my best work.

I gave Him all the glory.

He's the One who deserves it.