The only phrase to describe early rehearsals for a full scale theatre production is ‘ordered chaos’. The dance choreography depends on the magic choreography, the magic choreography depends on the magicians, the magicians depend on the script, the script has been written but needs to be revised and revised again umpteen times.
It is back to the drawing board again and again. At this stage, all an onlooker will see are lots of intense pow wows.
Here is Lawrence explaining his illusions to magic director Johnny Thompson.
Here is Artistic Director Loretta Chen and Joel shredding music to fit around the illusions.
Jonas, Addy and Jiafa scratch their heads over the magic props.
And here? Has Lawrence taken over Zaini Tahir’s job as Dance Choreographer? No, he is just trying to show a dancer how he needs a curtain to be held over a prop. Do it the wrong way and, oops, embarrassing secrets may peek out!
Seasoned performers take the chaos in good spirit. From experience, they know that all the madness will gradually resolve into a tight and fast-paced performance where one routine melds seamlessly into the next.
Right now, they take the numerous and sudden changes in stride. In one rehearsal, the dancers may be told that their routine is too long and to cut it. Moments later, the magician hollers that he needs more time for his ‘secret move’, and the dancers are told to spin out their dance again. Nobody complains, it’s all part of the job.
Seasoned performers take the chaos in good spirit. From experience, they know that all the madness will gradually resolve into a tight and fast-paced performance where one routine melds seamlessly into the next.
Right now, they take the numerous and sudden changes in stride. In one rehearsal, the dancers may be told that their routine is too long and to cut it. Moments later, the magician hollers that he needs more time for his ‘secret move’, and the dancers are told to spin out their dance again. Nobody complains, it’s all part of the job.
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