Not much to report on the show. It was a very long week of fine-tuning the script, practicing songs, and realizing we shouldn't expect any ukulele assistance from anybody.
This is probably the most surprising thing we've encountered thus far. Well, no. I take that back. The cast-juggling was the most surprising thing. But underneath all the changes and tweaks, there's been the still-unanswered question of who's going to teach the new girl how to play the ukulele?
No one, from the looks of things.
And yesterday they threw ukulography at us. We play and dance at the same time. And it's DIFFICULT.
It's difficult because these songs are so bloomin' complicated. Instead of giving us simplified chords to play (say, a repeating four-chord pattern), we were given the piano music. So every chord the piano plays are the same chords WE must play.
If the rumors are to be believed, a lot of really big-shot people are coming to see this show. It has the potential to really take off and have life outside of the little off-off Broadway theatre we're performing in.
And even though it may have cost me Broadway Brownie points, I HAD to inform the show's creator and our SUPPOSED ukulele instructor...
Me: Four-stringed Guitar Bill, this...this is very difficult. I just want you to be aware of this. That this song is very complex as it is, and for us to do these 180 jump turns, ball changes, etc.,...it's going to be...QUITE a challenge.
FSGB: Well then it will be all the more of a triumph when you're finally able to do it, won't it? Now what we really need is less of this negative attitude and more positive.
Normally I'd look at that comment and think, "Huh. Tear me down to build me up. Interesting approach."
But the thing is, I wasn't being negative. When you look at New Girl as she twangs dizzily on her uke, strumming with her whole arm and looking a little confused, you can't help but think, "Oh my. Someone needs to teach her some basics."
But no one is. I would, but I'm afraid I don't know enough about playing the instrument to offer advice.
And also, this blonde is a little...well...we're not clicking if you know what I mean.
Stress-level should reach a fever pitch this week, as our March 7th first preview is RAPIDLY approaching.
2 comments:
What big wigs are coming to the show?
Ernest Kaai?
George Formby?
Tiny Tim?
Probably not, since they're all dead.
But really, you should check out this guy's web site. He's in your area and looking for more people.
www.irregulartimes.com/ukulelesforsanity.html
Yeah. Sounds like he and I would get along splendidly. Nothing like making the ukulele the voice of liberalism. A political tool. Play dat ukulele and you can make the President disappear.
Good grief.
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