On Monday June 18th we began production in one of
the buildings on the campus of the Berkshire Theatre Group. The day commenced
at 10am with what is called a ‘meet and greet’. All of the members of the
Company, Production Staff and Administration Staff come together to get
acquainted over bagels, fruit and coffee. There were about 40 people present. We
were welcomed by Kate Maguire, the Artistic Director of Berkshire Theatre
Group. Once we introduced ourselves, Bob Moss (introduced by Kate as a
‘legend’… and he certainly is one, as he founded Playwrights Horizons of NYC)
spoke to everyone as to his vision of the show. It’s not so much a biopic, he
said- it’s more of a celebration of his music. We were treated to presentations
from the Stage Designer and Costume Designers. Afterwards, the cast got
measured by the costume staff and the Choreographer taught the Cast a short
routine to “One” from A CHORUS LINE to assess their dancing abilities. (This
routine will show up in the second act of the show when Ed hits the big time.) We
took lunch and then began working on the music for the opening Act One scene and
number, “Light On My Feet”. The production was off and running!
On Tuesday June 19th we continued working on the
opening number and worked into Scene 2 (Hillside Hospital). Ross, who plays “Ed
Kleban”, the main character of our show, also plays piano, so he will be
accompanying himself in a few instances during the show. He is doing a fine job
and this will provide a wonderful touch to the production. In the afternoon, Bob
worked with Anya (she portrays “Sophie”, a main love interest of Ed’s) and Ross,
while I worked on Act One music with the other six members of the cast in the
lobby of the Fitzpatrick Main Stage building. I brought a small half sized
keyboard with me that worked perfectly for the room.
