The SF Bay Area Theatre Blog

When we l closed "Ragtime", Bill E. was one of those who already had his next gig lined up: Sweeney Todd at The Western Stage in Salinas.

So, if you want to get a look at the show before auditions at FMT, take the drive and go see it.

Meanwhile, Bill shares with us this little anecdote from his rehearsals:

After all the massive set pieces were finally available, a stumble-through was held and assignments made to cast members to assist with scene changes.  This was done over two nights and all actors had multiple assignments; that is, all actors but me!  I am sitting in the house thinking, what's up?  Even when I raised my hand to volunteer, I didn't get an assignment.  The next evening, before rehearsals began, I cornered the stage manager and expressed my concern and embarrassment for being left out of these needed assignments.  His response, "Well, we saw that you still needed the use of a cane in the prologue and the epilogue, and we didn't want to exacerbate the condition which required the use of the cane."  (Ruthie Mullins should be roaring at this by now, as before rehearsals began I asked her to lend me a couple of canes for use by my character.)  I told the stage manager that this was a prop; an actor's choice.  His response, "But, you used it so well."  After conferring with the director, he returned to inform me "that even the Director didn't know it was an actor's choice."  HAPPY ENDING:  I got some scene change assignments. 

THE MORAL:  If you want to get out of moving the scenery choose a cane or crutches for your character!!! 

So my thinly (very thinly) veiled reference to the demon barber can is now official. FMT is doing Sweeney Todd next winter.

Here is the audition info:

Auditions:
Sunday 10/17/04 3-5PM
Monday 10/18/04 7-9:30pm

Callbacks:
10/23-10/25 by appointment

Location:
Foothill Playhouse (where "Candide" played)

Rehearsal Dates:
January 3rd- February 17th

Performance Dates:
February 18th-March 13th

Questions?
Call: 650-949-7417 and leave message.

Just as a side note? Sweeney is my favorite show...ever. Brilliant, brilliant work of art...with all that that entails. heightened sense of drama, moments of very dark humor, haunting score. Incredible.

And this will be on a very intimate level.

I saw what is famously known as the "Teeny Sweeney" at the Circle in the Square theatre in NY, and it was an entirely different experience than seeing the original (and huge) Broadway production. But it was a very powerful experience.

Don't miss this opportunity...if you're an actor...to be in it. If you're an audience member...to see what Jay and FMT do with it.

OK, I can't resist posting what I've heard about the Winter Show.

I'll probably get in trouble, because the audition notice hasn't gone out in the mail yet, but a true blogger cannot resist a scoop.

Nor can I divulge my sources.

I hear the Winter musical at Foothill Music Theatre will be about a certain demon barber.

If true, then Jay is doing what happens to be my favorite show of all time.

I saw an intimate concert at the Espresso Garden Cafe this weekend, featuring 5, count 'em, 5 Foothill Music Theatre Alums.

Featured vocalists included the two young stars of "Candide" this winter, Mike Amaral and Keite Davis, frequent Foothill alums Diane Milo and Joe Colletti, and the whole thing was arranged by Candide's Choreographer, Brad Handshy.

My review is here.