Whistling Down the Wind and Blocking

Last evening I went to the Merriam Theatre in Philly to see Whistle Down the Wind, a musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber. I absolutely LOVE the music from this show, although it really didn't make it when it debuted in Washington DC in 1996. After last night, I fully understand why.

I am NOT a "directing connoisseur" by any means, however, I've learned alot about blocking and direction through my many experiences on stage. For those of you who do not know what I mean by blocking here's a fun meaning: The art of moving actors on the stage in such a manner as not to collide with the walls, the furniture, the orchestra pit or each other. Basically your movement thoughout the show! Well, there was basically NONE! The show had such a lack of movement that it made everything uninteresting. It's a shame because the set, lighting, costumes, and voices were OUT OF THIS WORLD!!! I'm not knocking the show, I just felt so uninterested due to the lack of movement and emotion.

Swallow, the lead female, was basically dead pan the entire show. She had an amazing voice! The story is one of an emotional roller coaster dealing with the loss of a loved one, to finding love and hope, being scared and brave, having faith; all of which if it were real - would show a ton of emotion and physicality. There were about 15 children in the show who acted like zombies. I'm sorry, but eveyone knows that children do not sit still. It's as if the director didn't spend any time with them teaching character development - and this was the National Tour!

The Man - who is a "Jesus-like" character had the most amazing voice I've heard in a VERY long time. I'd say he, Candy, and Frank (I'll get to that point in a minute) were the only ones who had any physical aspect to them. What a shame! This show could have been absolutely fantastic!

Now back to Frank.......a long time ago, back in 2000, I believe, I auditioned for my first show Oklahoma! I was a lost, young 20 year old who had no idea what I was doing on stage - and they cast me as the lead, Lauri. The only thing I had going for me was my voice. My Curly, played by Tom Rainey, helped me tremendously in getting through the show, and I learned so much from him in terms of acting. So, I'm watching the show and Frank is on stage - I do a double take! Low and behold, after all those year, it's Tom! He's still an amazing and inspiring actor and it was nice to see him again and catch up after the show.

My thanks to Tom, for helping my first theatrical experience become something that I truly love, and will continue to do as long as I can.

Special thanks to all the directors I've had who taught character development, painted the picture on stage, and blocked shows that were absolutely amazing! It's directors like YOU, who should be getting the big bucks!!!