Directing- A Worthwhile Challenge.(Note: this is the full unedited article)
Greetings! I am Lacie Madison and I recently made my directorial debut with the musical revue entitled ‘Classic Broadway.’ We first premiered this show in Covington, Tenn., having only 3 weeks to put everything together. My highly talented cast worked wonders and magic happened.
Then my cast and I were invited to come bring the show to Millington.
I tentatively brought it up to the cast asking if they would be interested in doing another show - right after finishing the one in Covington. I told them that I would understand if they didn't have the time. I should explain that the entire cast has real full time jobs, families and a hundred other things that take up their time, yet I was answered with a resounding 'Yes!!'
Some good things about being a director are working with the cast, watching the show come to life on stage, giving an audience a wonderful show and knowing that I, in a way, helped create that magic.
One disadvantage about being a director is the show is on the forefront of my mind 24 hours a day. It isn't just directing a group of people (which is worrying enough) there are a thousand little things to worry about: tickets, playbills, song order, costumes, scheduling rehearsals, thinking no one will come, thinking too many people will come, finding people to work up front and behind the scenes and just not having much free time.
Some of the hardships were finding performers with the time available for the show, then getting the backing tracks in time for the singers to practice with, having time to rehearse the cast properly, finding costumes, blocking the singers and getting the word out to the community.
I went about auditioning singers by recommendations. I asked around the community who they could recommend - then I contacted the singers and auditioned them in private. Normally you post notices, hold open auditions, have callbacks, then cast. That can take 3 weeks on its own.
The show has been a roller coaster ride from the start. If it could go wrong it usually did. Weird things like having backdrops planned for weeks in advance then when double checking finding the office supply company sold out the day before; UPS loosing a shipment of very critical backing music I ordered; not being able to find costumes for several of the songs until the very last minute; the sound system being quirky; the costume racks collapsing during dress rehearsal; the print shop putting off printing the playbills until the last minute. (They were finished 2 hours before the show.) Things like that.
Yet there were a lot of ups like seeing the show coming together for the first time, working hard with the cast then seeing how excited they were on a night of the show, being able to encourage someone, telling jokes backstage, coming up with a particularly brilliant idea to fix a problem (smile), seeing a notice in the newspaper about the show and every business and person I spoke with in Millington was very supportive.
The difference between directing a show and being in a show is that the cast and crew is banking on you to make the right decision. There is a lot riding on your shoulders: trying to remember everything and walking the fine line between being a dictator and being too understanding. My grandfather once said- Life is really easy except for the having to live and work with people. (smile)
Yet, I really enjoy the challenge of working everything out and fitting all the different pieces together.
Am I planning on directing another show? Yes. The reason why is while it does take a lot of time it is so worthwhile to help performers find the potential they always have had inside and give an audience a great show while we are at it.
Never mind your only ticket taker who showed up is swamped (or the auditorium is empty) you (try to) smile - and go on with the show.
Because that really is what I love best - putting on a great show for people.
For more information check out www.laciemadison.com
Classic Broadway comes to the Ruffin Theatre
Lacie Madison will be making her directing debut this weekend at the historical Ruffin Theatre when L. Madison Productions proudly presents Classic Broadway, a Broadway Musical Revue.
“‘Classic Broadway’ is a high quality musical revue showcasing some of the best-loved songs of Broadway sung by a talented cast of entertainers,” said Madison.
“Normally you have six to eight weeks to prepare for a show,” said Madison
In Madison’s case, the cast of five only had three weeks to prepare for this performance.
Madison, who has been involved in theatre before, wanted to know why the Ruffin has never put on a musical before and then decided to put on a production of her own.
“The only problem I had was I only had 23 days to find a cast and props,” said Madison.
“This cast is very talented.”
Each performer will be singing four or five songs with a little bit of comic relief in between.
For the audience sit back and relax and enjoy a great show.
This is not a hokie show. This is close as someone can get to seeing an actual professional production.
It will be songs that you can sing along to and songs that are dramatic that will make you cry all done by people who are thrilled to be here.
The best part about the production is that is right here in Covington. You do not have to drive to Memphis.
This show will be one that is talked about for a while. So come out and support this talented group and first time dirctor.
The Cast Lacie Madison - "Classic Broadway" marks Lacie’s directorial debut. A newcomer to the Tennessee area, she recently portrayed Rachel Jackson in an upcoming PBS documentary filmed in Nashville, and has had the opportunity to perform in several shows in the Covington area recently starring as Jan Morrow in the play "Pillow Talk" held here at the Ruffin Theatre.
She has been featured on stage, radio, TV and film. For more information be sure to check out www.laciemadison.com
Amy Bragg - Bragg, a 20 year old native of Covington, began singing solo at the age of 10. In her high school years she competed in both the "All-West" and "All State" vocal competitions.
As a college student she performed at many functions held by Carson-Newman Collage and Dyersburg State Community College.
In March of 2006 Bragg became a member of The Opera Memphis Chorus performing in The Opera Memphis 50th Anniversary Gala featuring Denyce Graves. Bragg will perform in The Opera Memphis production of "Il Trovatore" in January of 2007.
Paige Koneski - She been hamming it up since she was a teenager, playing in rock bands with her father. This is her first Broad-way musical to have been associated with.
She loves all forms of art especially music. Her favorite Broadway Musical would be "My Fair Lady" Performers she admires are Will Ferrell, Etta James, Audrey Hepburn, Jimmy Stewart and Nora Jones, just to name a few.
Eric Pilkington - Born and raised in Covington, he briefly escaped to Georgia where he lived for eight years and became a surgical technologist. Then coming to his senses, he returned home and graduated nursing school in 2005.
You will find him at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, karaoke, and on most Saturdays singing at The Strand Music Hall.
He was active in the Jr. Theater Guild when the Ruffin first began performing stage productions, working onstage and behind the scenes. He also raises mini schnauzers.
Paden Pierry - Paden marked his onstage debut in "Pillow Talk", as the ever-memorable Tony. His sister Lacie first introduced him to the theater. His previous theater experience was as a stagehand and assistant stage manager.
He's from the great state of Montana and was home schooled his whole life. He enjoys paintball, karate and Civil War ballroom dancing.
Everyone is encouraged to come out and enjoy a night of delightful musical entertainment.
The production will be held for the next three weekends Sept. 8-10; 15-17; and 22-24. Show times will be at 7 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and on 2 p.m. on Sundays.
Presale tickets are also available at Old Town Hall, Rennie’s on the square, or by calling 475-9322.
Tickets at the door will be $9 for adults; and $6 for students. Children four and under free.