Show Commentary
- It's over. It's a Wonderful Life - the musical moves into the realm of all the other great shows the OHP has performed. It is always difficult to sum up any musical experience. To those of you who read this commentary (and I would love to hear from you if you do) this is my opportunity to put the show to bed so to speak. For those of you who saw, or took part in the show, thank you! It was a wonderful experience, and my only hope is that you felt even a small part of what we felt as a dedicated cast and production crew. This is a well written and inspiring musical, that although it differs slightly from the well known movie of the same name, provides an inspiring tale of how each of our lives touches others, and makes a great difference. I thank you for stopping by and reading these words. I hope and pray that you too either were touched by the strength of this musical, or have the opportunity to feel what it can bring sometime in the future. As Zuzu says; "every time a bell rings an angel gets its wings." In these times, we often need our wings to help us soar over life's hills and mountains. May you too be given "wings" when life's travel's require them. Truly, It's a Wonderful Life. Thanks for letting us be a part of yours.
- The opening night crowed swelled with many people making the decision to let their turkey digest at the Elkader Opera House. We are very gratified at the both the size of the audience, and their reaction to the show. Many folks stayed around for quite some time to talk over the show and their reaction to it. There are lots of wonderful characters in this production, but what you don't see as an audience is the amount of work that is going on behind the scenes to make it work. Lights, sound effects, sound, piano, and set changes, all work together to make this show a seamless experience. It is truly a joy to be part of such an event. I look forward every day to another opportunity to work with all these people. You only have three chances left to be a part of this with us. We've all worked hard to make this a wonderful experience. Please join us. Then stick around and tell us what you thought of the show! It's a Wonderful Life - the musical continues tonight, with two shows Saturday November 26th, both a 2pm matinee, and a 7:30pm evening performance. Best remaining seats at this point are for the Saturday evening performance. I hope we see you there!
- It's almost here. The frantic pace for the cast and crew is winding down. The last two rehearsals have let us fine tune most all the details. A quick run through tonight and we'll be ready for you tomorrow night! Ticket sales for all nights are good, but most especially so for Friday night and the Saturday Matinee. Tickets are certainly available for ALL performances, but if you want the best of the best seats, then let your turkey digest tomorrow night in the wonderfully restored Elkader Opera House. If your meal plans are for Saturday, then Saturday night is still a wonderful time to start your holiday off right with a show that will leave you emotionally restored and ready for the holiday season! This show has brought out the best in so many of our cast and crew. I'm very proud to be part of this OHP production of It's a Wonderful Life. I can say with confidence, that your entire family would enjoy this uplifting show. Come see what live theater is all about. Enjoy the experience with those that you care about. It will be something that stays with you much longer than your turkey dinner!
- The final countdown has begun. Only three more days until the opening of It's a Wonderful Life - the musical. Ticket sales have been brisk, but there are still good seats available for all performances. Don't wait, get your tickets today!
The set munchkins were very busy over the weekend. Things are looking absolutely fantastic. I can't wait for the audience to see this new method (for us) of set construction and presentation. The show is done in silhouette. It has to be seen to be believed. The presentation is fantastic, and it adds so much to the production and mood of the show. This show lends itself so beautifully to this type of set. Do yourself a favor, and stick around after the show to get a closer look. You will be amazed at how the appearances are achieved. The devil is in the details, and that's what we're all about as we run into these final few rehearsals. I've been very negligent on getting pictures online for this show. There are two reasons for that. First, I want the set to be a surprise for the audience, and second, since I spend the entire show, or close to it, on stage, it has made it very difficult to think about pictures. Costumes and lighting are nearing completion. Back stage work is getting organized. Cast members are finding out where they are going to need to be when and how best to get there. This show is just about ready for prime time. The music is wonderful, the message is phenomenal and heart warming. Bring your entire family to a show that will give Thanksgiving and Christmas a whole new meaning. Most of you know the story, but you've never seen or heard it like this before. It's a Wonderful Life - the musical opens Thanksgiving evening, November 24, 2005. With shows continuing Friday and Saturday night, as well as a Saturday afternoon Matinee. Hope to see you there, and to lift your heart and spirit!
- Tickets are now on sale to the general public. Member sales have been very good, and I'm glad. This is going to be a fantastic show with some wonderful music. The more of you that get to experience this at the start of your Christmas Season the better! We sometimes find ourselves wishing that we could make a difference in life. Often we think that we're trapped and unable to do that in this world. This show is one of those family classics that show us we can indeed make a difference in the small things that we do. Perhaps it is that message that is coming through for the cast and crew, but I think we truly want to have people see this show. It is our opportunity to bring a little light, joy, and hope into the hearts of everyone that attends. What better message to know that how you touch others with your life matters so much more than how much money or how many things you have. Come and see this wonderful show. Bring your entire family. It's a Wonderful Life, and we want to share it with you!
- We had a chance to see the beginning of the set last night. The designers have gone with what is going to be a fantastic effect for this production. This, along with lighting effects is going to make this a very memorable event.
Rehearsals are interesting at this point since we are sharing the stage of the Opera House with the Keystone Chorus, who is rehearsing for this Saturday's performance. (Which by the way from the sounds of their rehearsals is well worth attending!) The OHP gets there early, goes through our songs, then retires to the lobby to run lines and discuss set and blocking options.
I know I'm getting older, and therefore perhaps more tender hearted, but I must confess I am surprised by the fact that rarely as I work on lines for this production, can I get through the end of the show without my eyes becoming just a bit moist. It is a GOOD show and a wonderful message. I know there are lots of wonderful Christmas shows out there, and we hope over the coming years to bring even more of them to you, but I could easily see this becoming a repeatable OHP Christmas classic. It has the potential to be just that good. Make time this Thanksgiving weekend to let your food digest and your spirits soar as you ring in the holiday season with It's a Wonderful Life OHP style.
- The cast is set, and we've had our first read through rehearsal. I must admit I was surprised by two things. First, how many people had NOT seen this show! I thought this was *the* Christmas classic, right up there with "Miracle on 34th Street" and "White Christmas".
The other thing that surprised me was the character and quality of the music that has been written for the musical version of this wonderful story. The show has been adapted to stage very appropriately, and to be honest with you, I don't know why anyone would prefer to do the play instead of the musical. Especially if you have the musical talent to do it! Since no one has ever recorded this music, I'm working on getting some training CD's made for several of the cast members. That's giving me an inside preview of how all these songs are going to fit into the show. Wonderful stuff! But of course, I should expect that shouldn't I? After all, It's a Wonderful Life!
- I just wanted to let you know that even though we are deep into the final production details for My Fair Lady we are still thinking and beginning work on It's a Wonderful Life!
The show is going to be a fun one for all involved. We all know the show, and we love the story. (okay... so it still upsets me when Uncle Billy loses the money, but I get over it.) The director is working on ideas for staging, and discussions are already begun with our set / technical people as well. We're even beginning discussions about casting and orchestra for this production. Be sure to set aside time for this show to start off your Christmas season right! Of course, that's right after you get your tickets for My Fair Lady!
- Materials have arrived. We are still in discussion trying to set a tryout date and time that doesn't conflict with the current practice schedule for My Fair Lady currently in production at the Opera House. Check back here, I'll post tryout date and time as soon as they are annouced. We'll be sure to send notices to the local papers as well as send out notices to our general email list. If you have not recieved notices in the past, and wish to be on the general email list, please drop us a note to ohp@icsbbs.com
- It has been decided, and the rights have been obtained. The OHP is proud to announce that we will be performing once again over Thanksgiving weekend! This time, we'll start the Christmas season off right with a musical performance of It's a Wonderful Life.
You may have seen the play before, but now see it in all it's musical glory with beautiful songs that will have you humming along. Casting for this production will follow our fall blockbuster My Fair Lady with a shortened rehearsal schedule we hope to get people working lines right away. We know the talent is there and the audience appreciates these wonderful Holiday specials. Mark the dates on your calendars!