Putting things together-

Last night was the first night to run Act I.  We also had the orchestra for the first time.  They sounded great.  Of course it was a little rough.  We found our weak spots and had to deal with the new conditions.  S.till have way too many actors not here.  Every time someone is out, the whole team suffers.  I just wish everyone would take these last three weeks as seriously as we need to.

Last Saturday we finished building all the flats, and we even got most primed.  We still need to brace and paint them, but we've got the flats we need for the main scenes.  We've gotten the batons re-rigged with all new ropes, and the new scrim is up.  We also have the flying rigging 75% up. The bed for the Bucket Grandparents is also constructed.  The Wonkavator needs to be completely redone as the one we have won't work--too large.  Lot's still to do, but the director is injured (back problems) and can't get it all done in time.

I am concerned about the boy playing Charlie.  He's got the talent but I'm not seeing it right now.  Maybe he's too young or is feeling too much pressure.  We'll see.

Here are some pictures of some of the cast working on flats.

Serendipity

Okay.  This is a surprise.  I was at Norcostco Theatrical supply in Dallas, Texas to look for Willie Wonka stuff..  As I walked in, I heard Ava's voice from the office crying out excitedly.  I thought she was on the phone with someone.  Instead she comes hurrying around the corner straight for me with a sly grin on her face.  After some interchange she comes across with me being the perfect actor they need for a photo shoot as either King George III or Louis XIV.  The gig is Friday the 15th, and they needed to know now.  After consulting my rehearsal schedule, I found I could do it and be back in time for rehearsal.  So we started to gather the costume.

Oops...time out!  It began to POUR rain in huge drops and many of us had windows down for the heat.  Out we rushed to roll them up (I also took care of Ava's- heck, I was already wet.)  When I came back in they said they would dry my clothes as I tried on costume pieces.  Cool.  Back to the story.

As costume begins to gather, it is decided definitely King George III.  Strip in the changing booth.  Theatre guy from way back= no problem with this.  On with the stockings, breeches, shirt, waistcoat, Jabot, coat...then sewing on pieces as I stand there.  Anyway, when done (except for the wig which hasn't arrived yet) I look marvelous.  They take a picture and all are excited.---- BTW when I say "they" and "all"  I mean the folks at Norcostco fitting me or there to be fitted.  I also got a wink from a "club performer", but I digress.

Anyway, that means that Friday the 15th of June, I will pop up to Dallas in the morning, shoot the King George III thing, and get back before 6:30 rehearsal.  Gonna be a busy day.  Oh- and as of this writing, I still haven't told my wife, sooooo...  if you don't hear from me for a few days, check the hospitals and morgues.  ;-D

Rollin' on the Chocolate river...

We're looking good so far.   We've had a couple of good rehearsals with music. We have a long way to go, but we'll get there in style.  Make sure and keep checking email, the theater doors, facebook, and right here for the latest developments.  Be aware of your schedule, too.

Keep practicing and we will be excellent!

Your Director -- John Lamb

Here is the rest of the cast lists:

Adult Chorus

Olivia Santone

Hannah Dugger

Sundi Lee

Shannon Smith

Wyatt Marshall

Greg Albright

Deana Ware

James McCloud

Emma Dugger

Rebekah Cook

Youth Chorus

Kinsley Ward

Courtney Lamb

Mallory Dunnahue

Christen Carnley

Tawny Anderson

Elyse Moseley

Irelyn Brady

Sophie Lerich

Emily Lively

Lily Woods

Juliana Moseley

Emma Bennett

Ali Sanchez

Katie Hammock

Madylyne Shipper

Hailey Hammock

Blake Denson

Ian Warmke

Stacy Hammock

Taylor Smart

Oompa Loompas

Gavin King

Isaiah King

Lizabeth Fisher

Reagan Sokolowski

Isabel Barnett

Brianna Vigil

Riley Smart

Jad Absy

Emalyn Nicholson

Monique Ybarra

Michoko Rhodes

Alexis Kiser

Lexie Witte

Hannah Weber

Hanna Cagle

Sachiko Rhodes

Ashley Kiser

Abby Armstrong

Gage Concilio

Monique Ybarra

Kaitlyn Gochnour

Ella Ware

Taylor Page

Lilly Rink

Squirrels

Emily Ward

Ruby Jenkins

Jenna Toscano

Sergi Funai

Violet Strube

Geoffrey Holden

Nyoko Rhodes

Brandi Douglas

Abigail Menjivar

Zaylee King

Kilee Lasiter

James Hammock

Austin Smart

If I haven't spoken to you by tonight, please call me.  All is posted at the theater, too.

Willie Wonka cast list (principles only)

Okay, gang- Here is the list of the principles in the cast because I have already contacted all of these and confirmed them. I'm only about half done with the rest. I'll post them tomorrow. All will be posted on the theater door tomorrow evening by 6:00 PM. but for now---

Charlie	Tanner Stevens
Willy Wonka	Jim Vincill
Mrs. Bucket	Jamie King
Mr. Bucket	Matt Raybin
Grandpa Joe	Gerry Don Goodwin
Grandma Josephine	Hollie Martin
Grandpa George	Doug Smith
Grandma Georgina	Kathy Lerich
Violet Beauregard	Olivia Lerich
Mrs. Beauregard	Stacy Bennett
Augustus Gloop	Bailey Gochnour
Mrs. Gloop	Georgie Jenkins
Mike Teevea	Malick Absy
Mrs. Teevea	Carol Moore
Veruca Salt	Jamie Dugger
Mr. Salt	Jeremy Janz
Phineas Trout	Scott Holden
The Candy Man	Zach Phillips
Choreographer	Devyn Rice