Sunday, June 8, 2008

Oh, and Yes! I AM insane, thank you for noticing.

























So, one of the things that I have completely given up trying to understand or correct about myself is that I have a tendency to get way ahead of myself on things when I'm working on a new show, or at least, on the things that I actually consider interesting and fun. And especially when I consider them more interesting and fun than the actual, you know. Writing.

Which is why I just went on etsy.com and ordered the three dress/costume patterns above, for whatever indefinite future time we may need them.

Slow and steady ...

So a while back I decided to try and get in touch with my director-of-choice for this new project. It wasn't quite so much a matter of putting the cart before the horse as it might sound. For this show, I very much wanted to have a director -- or in this case, a director/choreographer -- involved from the earliest possible stages, for a couple of reasons. First, I'm hoping it will minimize any writer-director friction once the show eventually gets on its feet, by making the director a hands-on collaborator right at the outset. And second, it will enable me to treat the book (before any songs have been written) as a finished play, by having a director on board to suggest revisions, get actors together for a reading or two and possibly even a closed workshop. That way, we know going in that the script is totally working before a single song gets written, which — at least in theory — will save a lot of agonizing over cut songs, songs that wind up not making sense post-re-writes, etc.

Anyway, I e-mailed this woman, and never heard back from her, then tried locating her through a mailing list we're both on, and still nothing, so I was about to give up. Then, this afternoon, I happened to be in the office, I checked my e-mail and there she was! Now, I had known before I even wrote to her that she might not be available, because she was doing this amazing "arts retreat" thing in Vermont, although I wasn't sure how far advanced that was or whether she was still in NY or not. It turns out that the place is actually up and running, and she has moved to Vermont, but ... this is what she had to say:

"Hey there! I am so sorry that it has taken me so long to get in touch with you. I have been swamped with my new adventure in Vermont. I haven't been dabbling in theatre much at all but working with you was one of the most rewarding experiences that I had as a director/choreographer. If you are still interested in me taking a look at something, I would be up for it. I am in VT pretty much full time but still come back to the city often to see friends and such."

So, that's not exactly crystal clear, but it does seem to suggest that she might consider it despite the travel issue. I emailed her back and explained exactly what I was hoping to do, and tried to make it seem as attractive as possible (while at the same time not misleading her in any way about the time commitment). So, fingers crossed. I loved working with this woman, but even if she can't do it, maybe she may have a friend who would be similarly compatible who can. She's such a sweetheart, I can't imagine her having friends who aren't just as great to work with.