Only a Couple of Weeks before Spring Break

I can't believe there are only a couple of weeks before Spring Break.  Our hope is to have the entire show choreographed and blocked prior to spring break and then to stumble through the show making necessary changes and cleaning up all the numbers in those two weeks after Spring Break.  We are on our way, and I believe we can do it.  On the original calendar we were supposed to start working on Paradise at last Thursday's rehearsal.  We had to make some adjustments and the number now needs to be choreographed in 2 days instead of 1.  This is a big number that requires most of the cast, so I am asking that you make every effort to make sure your child is at rehearsal on both Monday and Wednesday of this week for the entire 2 hour block.  It is really hard to place a child and teach them after all of the blocking has taken place. 
Monday, March 19th and Wednesday, March 21st:  We will be choreographing Paradise.  This number requires the entire cast, minus the penguins and the Foosa.  The penguins and the Foosa do not need to be at rehearsal on Monday or Wednesday.
Thursday, March 22nd:  Zoosters, Julien, Mort, Maurice, Foosa, Mason, Phil, Ensemble 1 and Penguins.  Thursday's practice will be a little different due to the fact that our first graders are performing their program for their parents.  This program starts at 6:00, so we will end rehearsal at 5:30 and ask the kids to stay a couple of extra minutes to help us set chairs up.  Due to the fact that I am a first grade teacher and have to attend to my class as they start showing up at 5:30, I will need all the help I can get setting up chairs and cleaning up so that we are ready for a program. 

Alos, please be watching for another email I will be sending out in the next couple of days.  There are a few things that the cast will need to provide costume wise for the beginning of the show when they are zoo guests and New York citizens.  These are basic things that you should have at home.  Each group has specific clothing items that they will need so I will send these emails out individually.  Please be aware that each cast member will need to have a pair of spankys (bike shorts) and a cami to wear under their clothing.  Most of our costume changes are quick and need to be done in the dressing room in front of other cast members.  It is better that they have something on to keep them modest as they are changing in front of others.
Finally, I will also be sending out a link, (probably in the next week) for a sign up genius.  This will include all of the sign ups I will need for show week.  For example, ticket sales, concessions, green room helpers, choir supervision, etc.  Please be looking for that and sign up for whatever you can help with. 
Thanks for all of your help and support.  These kids are WONDERFUL, and it has been so much fun working with them and getting to know each of them.  They are definitely a talented group of kids.

March 12th-15th

This past week was probably one of the most productive ones that we have had.  It was fun to watch the kids get so excited to learn the big number iconically associated with Madagascar.  Every year around this time I see an increased level of commitment and excitement for the show.  We are getting so close and the kids are starting to catch the vision.
Monday, March 12th:  I will need the entire cast to be at rehearsal.  We are going to clean up the big numbers of the show.  We have rehearsed the vocals and choreography for each number, but it is traditionally a difficult thing for the kids to put the two together.  We will be running these numbers over and over getting them "show ready".  I need Alex, Melman and King Julien to come to rehearsal at 3:30 instead of 4:30 so they can work with Mrs. Hickenlooper on vocals before everyone else gets there.  
Wednesday, March 14th:  We will be learning Steak.  For steak I need Alex, Maurice and Ensemble 1.  There have been several questions over the last couple of weeks regarding which ensemble certain characters are in.  I want to clarify this.  In the first half of the show, the Zookeepers have their specific parts in the zoo/New York scenes.  These same characters are part of ensemble 1 in the second half of the show.  
Thursday, March 15th:  I need the Zoosters, penguins, King Julien, Maurice, Mason, Phil and Ensemble 1.  Ensemble 1 will learn the rest of Steak, penguins will work on their Sea Shanty and the Zoosters, King Julien and Maurice will be working on their scenes.

On to Madagascar

Last week was amazing.  The kids did such a good job.  I am excited about the first half of the show, and I am even more excited to move on to the Madagascar portion.  We have 12 rehearsals between now and Spring Break and we need to learn the second half of the show in that time.  We will be using all 3 days this week to learn I Like to Move it. 
Monday, March 5th:  I know there is no school, but we still have rehearsal.  Rehearsal will be from 4:30-6:30 since the teachers are at the school all day for meetings, and Ballroom will still be having practice at their regular time.  On Monday I need King Julien, Maurice, Mort, Zoosters and all of Ensemble 1
Wednesday, March 7th:  I need King Julien, Maurice, Mort, Zoosters and all of Ensemble 2
Thursday, March 8th: We will be putting it all together with everyone!  I need the whole cast there on Thursday.

The First Half is Finished

We are at that midway point and the first half of the show is finished.  We have learned (almost) everything and we are ready to leave New York and make our way to Madagascar.  It's exciting!!  I continue to be amazed at how well it is all coming together.  This week marks our first week with Thursday rehearsals.  Just a reminder that Monday rehearsals are still 4:30-6:30 and Wednesday and Thursday rehearsals will be 3:45-5:45.  Here is the plan for this week:
Monday, February 26th:  We will be finishing up some blocking and working on characterization on the scenes in the first half.  This blocking will only include The Zoosters (Alex, Marty, Melman and Gloria), The Penguins, Mason, Phil and Carl Hammernose.  In addition to this rehearsal, I would like all of Ensemble 2 to come from 4:30-5:30 for a costume fitting.  Mrs. Wallace and Mrs. Evans have been working hard on costumes and we need to make sure they all fit and that we have a cohesive look.  Please keep in mind that Ensemble 2 will be going home at 5:30 (the same time as the choir).
Wednesday, February 28th:  We will be doing a stumble through of the first half of the show.  This rehearsal will include all cast members.  In our stumble through, we will go through Act 1 as many times as we can and take notes on things that we need to work on or clarify before moving on to Act 2.
Thursday, March 1st:  We will go over all notes from Wednesday and make adjustments to Act 1.  After making adjustments, we will go through the first half as many times as we can.

This week not only marks the completion of Act 1 of the show, it is also the week that TICKETS GO ON SALE!!!.  Tickets will be available starting Thursday, March 1st in the front office.  Each family will be receiving 2 complimentary tickets.  These tickets will be passed out on Thursday during the regular school day.  They will be given to the oldest child in each family.  Since tickets will be available on Thursday, I have a small favor to ask each of you.  I have attached an image to advertise our show.  Please take a minute to download the image here.  I would LOVE it if each of you would post this image, with a small description on your facebook or instagram feed so that all of your friends and family can mark the dates in their calendars.  Thank you so much in advance!!! 

Another Short Week

We are making such progress.  I am so proud and super excited to see the first half of the show come together.  This week is another short week due to the holiday. I hope you all had a great and safe one.  This week we will be learning Grand Central.
Wednesday, February 21st:  Zoosters, Penguins, Mason, Phil, Maintenance Crew, Alex Fan Club, Marty Fan Club, Veterinary Assistants, and Vendors (Stephanie and Parker only)  will all be in this number and will be working on it this week.  I would also like the Zookeepers and lionesses to be at rehearsal to refresh and practice choreography as well as vocals.  Ensemble 2 will NOT have to be at rehearsal this week.
Also, as you are planning your summer trips, please mark your calendar for June 2nd.  This will be the Pony Express Days parade and we will be participating for the second year as a musical theater/student council/ballroom group.  Last year was the first year that we walked in the parade, and it was SUPER FUN!!!  The kids that participated had an amazing time and it is a memory that I will cherish for a long, long time.  If you are able to be there, you won't be sorry!

February 12th and 14th

I am glad we will be having 2 rehearsals this week.  We are so close to learning the whole first half of the show.  Here is the plan for this week
Monday, February 12th:  Ensemble 2, Zoosters, Penguins, & Zookeepers will be working on Relax, Be Cool.  Ensemble 1 will be running Wild and Free as well as working on vocals.
Wednesday, February 14th:  Ensemble 2, Zoosters, Penguins & Zookeepers will be finishing up on Relax Be Cool and Ensemble 1 will have the day off.

Also, t shirts will be coming home tomorrow. with students who have paid their donations.   If you haven't had a chance to come in and pay your donation, please do so as soon as possible.  You can send a check to school, or you can come into the office and pay Linda with a card.  When the donation has been paid, your child will receive their shirt.  If paying the donation is a financial hardship for your family, please let me know and I will make sure your child receives their shirt. 

Only One Practice This Week

We only have one practice this week due to parent teacher conferences!  I need all cast members at rehearsal on Monday, February 5th to learn the rest of Wild and Free. 
Also, the t shirts will be ordered on Tuesday of this week.  I am so excited to start seeing them on the kids at school.