The end of a rehearsal week...

Here in Wichita, the first week culminates in our designer run-through. It can be rather nerve-wracking if a person has a lot to remember. Fortunately, I have a relatively light load this go-'round. I'm having a great time with the folks here at Music Theatre of Wichita. Director Wayne and music director Thomas and choreographer Amy are heading up a crackerjack team, and the designers and staff are simply amazing. The cast is wonderful and warm and talented. It's always a joy to come to play here.

Now we've reached the end of the week. The run went well this afternoon, giving us an idea of what we have yet to solidify. It's a really good sign when the laughs seem to be mostly in the right places (and the tears as well) at this point in the game. Now I'm getting set to meet up with the gang for a lovely dinner and evening of fun. It's our chance to celebrate a strong week and look ahead to the week ahead.

In the photos are Damon Kirsche (Arthur), Ed Watts (Lancelot), and my new Pink Floyd t-shirt. Photos by the amazing and generous Jerry Fritchman. That's all for now. Take care, all! Peace and love!

Weekly sketch from Wichita...

Well, I'm officially in Wichita, and I'm on a break on my "first day of school." So, here's a quick note... Here's my weekly sketch this week. I originally began this sketch to commemorate the appearance of Mary Martin and Ethel Merman on Ford's 50th anniversary TV special in 1953. Two legendary Broadway leading ladies sharing the stage. As I was drawing, their poofy dresses led me to draw the dresses with one arc of a line, and as I glanced at it quickly I thought of Side Show which was about conjoined twins, the Hilton sisters. I snickered as I thought of Ethel and Mary starring in this contemporary musical. This made me think of a series of sketches that Al Hirschfeld created for Playbill magazine in the 1960s called "Unlikely Casting." He drew stars of the day in roles they would likely never play (i.e. Zero Mostel as Peter Pan, Buddy Hackett as Hamlet, etc.). And so I'm batting around the possibility of creating a similar series for today. Anyway... that's how my wacky brain works sometimes. Take care, all! Peace and love.