One of the amusing things about this bit of the rehearsal process is that we use those bits of the costume or hand props that make us feel comfortable in the scene, and leave off the rest. So Pickering wears a lovely black jacket over a polo shirt and shorts, I put my top hat on over whatever I happen to be wearing, and Mrs. Pearce attaches her housekeys to her belt. Actually, it’s trickier for women in period plays, who usually need to change from jeans or skirts into dresses to get the movements right; guy’s clothes of the last two hundred years or so don’t necessitate changes in walk or gesture. Although I’m still needing Poor Alfie’s boots, which I think may make a difference in his walk.
While I mention it, I’m having some difficulty with Alfie’s walk. I want to make it a distinctive walk (oh, all right, a funny walk), with short steps and a rolling gait. But I keep forgetting to actually do it! I find myself crossing the stage with my usual long paces, and then stomp back. Maybe my boots will remind me. Ah, well, we’ll get there.
We have eight more rehearsals before an audience sees the thing. Eight!
Tolerabimus quod tolerare debemus,
-Vardibidian.
I floated as a potential replacment band name The Ministry of Funny Whelks, but no one else liked it like I liked it.
peace
Matt
Aw, dang. I tried to replac the word replacment with the one with the “e” in the middle, but the Post button had been cast, the die had been pushed, and the mold had been broken.
Ew. Also, probably a good thing.
peace
Matt
Let’s just cut the moldy end off and throw it away…
Perhaps Alfie should limp to show how gosh-darn hard he works (then walk normal when he wants to look “impressive”). Also, for added Brit-itude, listen to the Jam’s “Pity Poor Alfie,” which sounds anything but pitiful.