Way Off Broadway, episode 3: and suddenly the hinges started to unhitch
Last week, cast members found out which roles they would be playing—everyone except for Harvey, the dentist hoping to play the Lion because he’s done it twice before. At the beginning of rehearsal, Sarina tells Harvey that he’ll be playing the Wizard role and, yes, he quietly rages about it—his face doesn’t hide it, nor do his words during confessional. Almost immediately after we see that Harvey is visibly distraught, Sarina, in her typical fashion, launches into a rant about how she “will not react to [their] disappointment.” Gee, we wonder who might take that constructive criticism a little personally—way to go, Sarina. Still, we’re pleased that she actually addresses the issue, even if she doesn’t do so tactfully.
In more important news, the pressure is on for the cast to learn their lines/cues/dance moves: LeeAnne, also known as Dorothy, realizes she’ll need to practice more and learn to work with her entire body (“LeeAnne is a singing head,” says our loving director); Psychiatry resident/student Jon, the Scarecrow, thinks his mind isn’t “limber like it was at 18.” (He’s 27); Michael O’Morrow, the Lion, thinks someone is going to have a meltdown (and soon); the other Michael is the only one rehearsing barefoot and thus looks like some liberal arts indie pop-folk singer (we love him); and Jodi is still thrilled to be a low-key supporting character, and we dig her honesty, especially since she’s always willing to participate (unlike Taz).
Our favourite part of each episode, though, is turning out to be the home visits and candid, back story moments. Sean, the tall Tinman, runs lines with his buddy and reminds us that, yes, he’s definitely 19 (“oil my pelvic region,” he says). Wicked Witch Sandra works on her performance while hunting (or doing something involving guns), and then proceeds to remind us of Tina Fey as Sarah Palin. In fact, Sandra pretty much nails it across the board during the first serious rehearsal: although she takes her sweet time “getting into character”—so much so that everyone stands around with a what-the-heck-is-taking-so-long look plastered on their faces—she is literally the best thing to happen to this production. Our faithful narrator says, “others find their roles don’t come so easy,” which comes as no surprise to us because we explained why some people may not be so keen last week. Nevertheless, the show must go on and other issues need to be addressed, like where are the munchkins, and who will play Toto? Sarina asks children from her junior class to help, and one young girl has a total nervous breakdown about the thought of going on stage. That’s one out of the way, but our money’s on musical director Shelia throwing the next tantrum, since it seems like she could slap someone any episode now. There’s also this odd web forming: Sarina teaches Rick’s children who will most likely appear in the show, and she also directed Sean as a child in his Oz play.
After this grueling week of actual work, we empathize with the cast a little more. Think of how challenging it can be to loosen up in front of strangers, and then imagine doing that in front of other strangers carrying video cameras that will then broadcast this to an entire country of strangers. Only seven weeks until curtain—hopefully they pull it off.
Sandra, the Wicked Witch of the West. Rick (last week’s sweetheart) is so convinced by her Queen of Mean that he says, “I’m not sure I’d want to be her kid.” She doesn’t only have heart, she’s got soul. Can’t wait to see her in action.
Harvey, the dentist-slash-Wizard. He spends a little too much time being bitter, discussing how “in the many shows I’ve done, usually it’s three rehearsals a week (not two), and we go for seven months.” Have faith! Only when Sarina gives him a song to sing (so that he’ll play nice), he starts to, well, play nice.
Harvey’s wife. She snaps him out of his funk with real talk: “You’re playing the Wizard in The Wizard of Oz—with a song. There wouldn’t be a show without the Wizard.” She makes a damn good point. Dorothy who?
Taz. We know, we’re a little shocked too, but she’s still showing up and that’s a brave feat when you have a silly/terrible attitude. She somehow steps up her game, showing up with lines memorized, which impresses everyone during the first read-through. “I got to channel her inner bitch,” she says of her role. She’s starting to open up—that is, until she goes to Sarina’s house asking for permission to quit the show.
I kind of love you; I sort of do for you make me laugh out loud. The cast comes from my community, friends of friends, random people and kids connected to that circle. You are right about Taz; she is courageous indeed and a heart of gold too. Your article’s title is killing me here! Thanks for watching every week. The episodes get spicier and spicier and my typical fashion and tact will hit a tornado like velocity so take heed fine Sir. ‘‘The tornado vortex allows a significant fraction of the potential energy (me the director) of the parent storm (the most amazing cast ever) to be concentrated into wind kinetic energy that will move at top speed (the final show itself)!
The true characteristics sure came out this week. Time to ‘grow up’, some of you. Be thankful that you were even chosen to be part of this ‘big event’
Paul, I see you’re LOVING the show as much as I am… your attention to detail is astounding… especially for someone who likes to “criticize” and “rant” (who’s calling the kettle black?) about Sarina—who is, frankly, incredible! A show in 8 weeks? The season is sure to amp up with many more meltdowns yet to come. Can’t wait for Friday evening… it’s the best ticket on TV. PS… looking forward to reading your Week 4 critique ;)
It says “episode 2” though this is a review of episode 3. Just saying.
Well Paul, it sounds like you’ve got a good handle on my character! I put up with little , believe in being direct and although I admit there are times in life when I’d like to slap someone, it definitely didn’t happen in this show! These people are very dear to me after this journey and I wouldn’t have the “heart” to slap any of them. Thanks for watching the show! I look forward to your “Ozzies” every week-they’re so entertaining!
thanks for the correction
Another awesome week!!! I think you are all fantastic!!! We are again looking forward to Friday. -wendy-
I cannot imagine the pressure Sarina must be under to move the cast into a full on performance in such a short time. She is not only dealing with the many varied personalities of the cast members but also bringing together the rest of the elements for the show. I look forward to watching each Friday and then having tea with friends to discuss the progress. It is the best thing on TV right now.
Tazyia here. Thanks for the award (albeit somewhat back-handed)…the bow on my mane was a nice touch! But for the record writer-dude, I did not show up with lines memorized…we only just received our scripts at the rehearsal that night and that’s why everyone was so impressed…just sayin’. And I said I had to channel MY inner bitch (perhaps you have some pointers? lol). And I was not trying to quit the show altogether…I was still going to play all the other bit parts assigned to me but I was just overwhelmed by the whole bike-riding thing…and you will see in episode 4 that Sarina wasn’t having it anyway, no way, no how! And by the by…it’s not all about me so I give you license to share your “love” with the rest of the cast so they don’t feel left out…yeah, I’m good like that…share, share, share –that’s me! Seriously though, thanks to all for watching and telling us about your get-togethers and such…it’s wonderful to know that you are following our journeys! Keep the comments coming! Oh, and Marcus, if you’re reading this, thank you for defending my honour kind sir, and your comment: “…barfing neuroses all over the place” is CLASSIC and true to boot! Loved it!