Changes.

So, here's something I never thought would be interesting, but that I find fascinating:

The daily rehearsal notes I am suddenly receiving in my inbox.

I mean, of course there are notes, right? That makes perfect sense. And of course they get sent somewhere (if a note is taken and doesn't get sent, does it exist?) But it never occurred to me where they would go and, despite all the behind-the-scenes work I have done at WFT since 1992 (!!) now for the first time, I am privy to these little snippets.

It almost feels like I am reading someone's diary. All of this inside information about blocking and staging and lighting. Who was present at rehearsal, who was excused, who complained about parking (note: everyone. Have you seen the parking sitch at WFT?) But, what I am finding the most fascinating, really, are the notes on lyric changes.

I remember when I was an undergrad and WFT produced Peter Pan. The show was, naturally, extremely well-received and audiences raved. But I did hear a tiny bit of buzz about how the word "Christmas" had been removed from the part where Michael (the littlest Darling sibling) was calling out all the things that made him happy so he could fly. It was my understanding then that the producers had made that decision to make the show more universally appealing and respectful. They had decided to take out the word to level the field, or so to speak, and frankly, it didn't change the story or the plot at all.

See, this is what I love about WFT. They're thinking. They're conscientious. They're considerate of their audiences and, actually, of the public at large. Was it necessary to take out "Christmas?" Probably not. (I know that I, as a Jew, would not have been offended.) But does the removal of that word exemplify a thoughtfulness and awareness that is often overlooked in theatre? It sure does. The powers that be at Wheelock Family Theatre think about their patrons. They think about who's listening and watching and how seeing live theatre is going to make them feel. They think about making casting choices and lyric and line changes that are so minute you might not even notice them, but that, if they weren't changed, might affect your experience. And what's more, they are smart about it. They know just how to alter things in a way that will not affect the integrity of the original work. They know, for example, that referring to a character as "atrocious" instead of as "a hussy" is not going to make any difference to the story, but will have a real impact on the kind of experience parents will have with their children in the audience.

It is this kind of careful social awareness that I love about WFT. And I'm so glad I got the chance to peek into the "rehearsal diary" to be reminded.

What about you? What do you love about WFT that is special and unique?

It's the first day after the first rehearsal. Set building ensues, the orchestra pit has been opened up, the hallway is filled with costumes, and new producers, Wendy Lement and Shelley Bolman are scheduling, meeting, and planning.

Anne of Green Gables 2012

Tuesday September 27 and the first rehearsal, a read-thru of the script and songs, happens tonight! This musical adaptation of the book by L. M. Montgomery is by Donald Harron and Norman Campbell. Our director is WFT founder, Jane Staab, and musical direction is by Rob Rucinski. The creative team behind this production features the talents of: Matthew T. Lazure (scenic design), Scott Clyve (lighting design), Lisa Simpson (costume design), Laurel Conrad (choreography), and Marge Lusignan (properties).
The beautiful illustration for our posters and flyers is by Kevin Gillespie.

Wheelock Family Theatre: Anne Shirley

"Anne of Green Gables" was first performed at Wheelock Family Theatre in 1989; the production having been seen on Prince Edward Island by Grace Napier and Bill Monnen and suggested as a "good fit" for WFT. Devon Sorvari was Anne Shirley. Ms. Sorvari has gone on to pursue a career in acting, having performed on stage, in film, and for television. The Sorvari family was involved with WFT for years. Besides Devon's work as a performer, Ann Sorvari developed many of the WFT Study Guides.

To check in on Devon, visit her website here: Devon Sorvari

Danielle Perry played Anne Shirley in the 1999 production at Wheelock.

This year's production of "Anne of Green Gables" features Jennifer Beth Glick as Anne Shirley. Jennifer is excited, having wanted to play the role since the last time it was produced at WFT in 1999.
Patrons of WFT musicals may remember Jennifer in "The Secret Garden" as the kind maid of Misselthwaite Manor, Martha, and in "Seussical" as the bird of slight feathers, Gertrude McFuzz. Jennifer has a number of songs on YouTube and you can hear them here: Jennifer Singing

New.

Smells like a new season of theatre, don't it? I just dropped my son off for his first day of Pre-K and all over Facebook, there are pictures of eager, smiling, toothless kids with enormous backpacks filled with nothing but hope and promise. (And maybe a few hundred dollars worth of school supplies -- remember when the school provided the flat box of Crayolas for you?) I even saw a few photos of move-in day on the Wheelock campus last week. Before long, we'll be in full swing: tech rehearsals, set painting, children being shuttled to and from classes, and then -- finally -- at long last: Opening Night! There's nothing quite like a fresh slate. A cast list, hot off the printer. A school desk free of chewed up bubblegum stuck underneath. Brand new sneakers, still just a little too white.

Keep watching this space for all the things a new year brings. This season, we'll be introducing cast and staff profiles, fun contests and giveaways, and, as always, my verbose take on minutiae and memories. Happy New Season, folks. Whee!