WELL: Open Dress Rehearsal September 13th

posted by David Dower

[l-r: Susan Lynskey, Donnetta Lavinia Grays, Nancy Robinette, Emily Ackerman, Scott Drummond ]

Everything old is new again, or so they say. In this case, we're reviving an old tradition here at Arena Stage this season.

Throughout the season we are going to be inviting you to join us for the final dress rehearsal of our plays, as our guest. This means that you will have an opportunity to watch and cheer on the actors and crew as they careen through the full production for the first time, with all the elements of tech in place.

I love the final dress. It is the moment when the theater is the most "live," really. Almost anything can happen, and often something unexpected does. But there's also often a tinge of that magic that makes theater so compelling, hanging over the whole affair. It's a terrifying moment for the company, but exhilarating at the same time. And we want to share that with you, not in place of seeing the finished performance, but as a way of enhancing your connection with it when you do.

So, your first opportunity to ride along with us will be on September 13th, when we open the dress rehearsal for Lisa Kron's Well to friends and family of Arena Stage. This will be a first come, first served event. No reservations. No charge. We'll start at 8pm. You'll find us in the Fichandler. And, we'll be waiting for you.

Comments

[Gregory]

I attended the open rehearsal of "Well" and enjoyed it a lot. It was one of the most enjoyable evenings I have spent at Arena. I want to thank you for having an open rehearsal. I am unemployed at the present and would not be able to attend a performance otherwise. I am grateful for the opportunity that you offered.

[David]

I'm glad you were able to join us, Gregory. It's an old axiom among theater makers that "the audience is the last actor cast"-- meaning that a show isn't complete until the audience is in the room. This is especially true for comedy, which WELL certainly is. Until someone's there to laugh at your jokes, it's hard to know you're funny! So your presence was appreciated as much on our end. We're hoping to offer these open rehearsals all season. Watch the blog for an announcement of the next opportunity.