Atque bonum appetitum

The fun continued today as we put everyone together - actors, dancers, singers - for the first time, two days before opening! As always seems to happen, everyone was delighted with each other and there was much hilarity and interest in each performer's "moments". One of the many fascinating and brilliant aspects of this production, for me, is the tremendous chemistry that Derek (the Bourgeois) and Jean-Francois Gagnon (Le Malade) have. When they come together at the end of the show for the very funny mock graduation ceremony, they have some priceless schtick that had us all in stitches today.

I have to say how proud I am that everyone has come this far in such a short amount of time. Derek and Marie-Nathalie have knocked themselves out to create a highly entertaining, intricate, thoughtful show and the actors, singers and dancers are throwing themselves into it with elan.

I would also be remiss not to comment on what a treat it is to have Shannon Mercer in our cast. She is such a great artist, beautiful singer, terrific actor. I did not know her very well at all before this experience, but I've been so impressed by her spirit and willingness to jump into the silliness and play along.

Tomorrow is tech day and dress rehearsal in the evening. A long day to be sure, but I'm so looking forward to it.....