“Nervous-Boy” rehearsal blog…2 weeks in!

(Logo courtesy of Aleisha Knight.)

Well, we’re two weeks into our five-week rehearsal process for “The Adventures of Nervous-Boy,” by James Comtois, presented as part of Gorilla Tango Theatre’s Experimental Series. 

We’ve blocked most of the show – minus one scene that needs a little more attention than we can squeeze into our regular nights – and the cast is working diligently to get those pesky lines learned in time for tomorrow’s official off-book date.

I’m not afraid to admit that, as a director, I’m prone to casting people I already know or have worked with. I don’t feel there’s anything wrong with it, as I’m familiar with their talent and work ethic and frankly, I like working with talented people who are also good people. This time around, I have 2 actors I’ve worked with before (Scott Cupper and Dennis Schnell), 2 ladies I’ve been acquaintences with for a while but never had the pleasure to actually work with before (Leslie Frame and Amy Whittenberger – who might be the best “onstage drunk” I’ve ever seen!) and then 5 brand new faces (Jamielyn Gray, Anthony Stamilio, Joe Von Bokern, Neil Robertson Huff, and Nervous-Boy himself Nicholas Caesar) - and I couldn’t be happier with the way the cast has played out. They’re all lovely people who really and truly like the script, and we’ve been having a blast so far.

I’m looking forward to tomorrow, when we can put down scripts and get on with the business of gettin’ crazy.

To those of you who appreciate dark comedies, I suggest you see the show. I can promise you demons, strippers, cell phones, the consumption of much beer, and a startling commentary on the times we live in.

Don’t be afraid.

(Slightly blurry rehearsal shot courtesy of my camera phone.)