WPCNR STAGE DOOR. By Oscar Smalls, The Helen Hayes Theatre Company. October 17, 2003: Evita, the long-waited-for production of the Broadway hit opens this evening at the Helen Hayes Theatre Company in Nyack.
This musical masterpiece starring Broadway’s Felicia Finley premiers at the Helen Hayes Theatre Company in Nyack from October 18 – November 2. Tickets are $32.50 to $47.50. For tickets or more information, call the Box Office at 845-358-6333 or visit their web site at http://www.hhtco.org.
What is the last week prior to opening night like? Here is Oscar Smalls' Countdown to Opening Night Diary of what Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday were like at the Helen Hayes.
Wednesday, October 15: The cast and crew are in the middle of “tech week”, which is getting the lights, music, costumes, sets, actors and crew all working seamlessly together.
Robert Levinstein (stage manger) was running things effortlessly even though he had actors, tech people and musicians all looking to him for answers on entrances and exits, light cues and position marks. In between light cues, Stephen Purdy (musical director) was busy getting in extra rehearsal time on the number “The Lady’s Got Potential”. Although rehearsal came to a halt when Evita herself (actress Felicia Finley) could not locate a crucial costume piece, a marabou robe, the robe was found and Ms. Finley came onstage instantly back in character and on went the show. Everyone stopped for a moment to listen to her sing…wow…and then on with the tech rehearsal!
As the office staff of the Helen Hayes was winding up it’s day at 5:00, the cast and crew had only begun their lunch break, with a full evening of work (and play!) to go.
Thursday, October 16: Despite the fact that the lobby of the Helen Hayes is still littered with boxes of props and set pieces, lighting equipment and cords running all over the place, Meredyth Mindte, the Helen Hayes Production Manager, insisted that this is all quite normal. In fact, she said rehearsals were ahead of schedule and in her words, “just swell!”.
The cast was taking extra time to rehearse some of the musical numbers. For instance, the number Rainbow Tour takes place on chairs with wheels and there was problem with the chairs slipping out from underneath the actors while they moved around…not good. Today was the first day the actors got to work with the chairs they will be using in the show. So with several runs at it and some giggles in between everyone felt comfortable and safe!
The choreographer, Kim Jordan, was reworking some of the dance pieces on the number, And the Money Kept Rolling In. Sometimes what looks great in a rehearsal studio doesn’t always fill a stage once you get there. With a few minor adjustments, Kim’s vision came alive to create one of the most exciting musical moments in the show.
Friday, October 17: The final rehearsal day! Will the light cues be seamless? Will the song transitions flow? Will the audience be blown away? We’ll find out tonight!
After weeks of planning and endless days of rehearsals, EVITA finally gets the last ingredient – an audience. Tonight’s invited dress rehearsal is reserved for the employees and colleagues on the show’s corporate sponsor – LeCroy Corporation.
With the final touches on costumes and lights, orchestrations and sets, the excitement is in the air is palpable. EVITA is ready to mesmerise and enchant!
The Helen Hayes Theatre Company in Nyack, NY is within 30 minutes from most towns in Westchester and Bergen Counties and only 20 minutes from the George Washington Bridge. "Evita" is sponsored by LeCroy Corporation.
