It is not easy treading the pavements of New York as a non-equity actor. Especially in this economy, when patrons and audiences have less money to invest in and attend live arts of any kind. (In fact, I hear the moon program "Constellation" was just cut entirely from the National Budget! If NASA is being cut off - there is little hope for the arts to gain more national subsidy.)
Occasionally, we discover a marvelous organization right here in Manhattan that allows non-equity actors of all different backgrounds, training, professions, ages, and levels of experience to gather together and put on a quality production in the city. Friends family, agents, casting directors, and die-hard fans and alumni of the organizations, can come and see a cast of players performing their hearts out and having a blast on stage. The Village Light Opera is on one of these organization.
Each Fall, "VLOG" presents a Gilbert and Sullivan show and each spring is presents a musical. I was introduced to VLOG when I was cast this past Fall as a soprano in the chorus of "Starship Pinafore." It was my first time singing in a chorus since summer camp in middle school - where - ironically - I sang soprano in the "HMS Pinafore" at Interlochen Arts Camp. My experience was very colorful, and I made some great friends, learned how to harmonize, and got to wear a gorgeous pink dress that resembled the princess regalia I dreamed of wearing in elementary school.
I decided to try out for the Spring Musical - Fiddler on the Roof - and - beyond my wildest dreams, was cast as Tzeitel! I have always had a bit of an inferiority complex that I was only being called back at singing audition because of the extensive dance experience on my resume. To be cast as a lead because of my singing and acting was a complete surprise, and I am grateful and humbled to be among the talented members of this cast - many of whom have music degrees from NYU and Manhattan School of Music. I have so much to learn from them, and they graciously help me in areas where I am weak - such as reading music.
After I got done jumping around and squealing with excitement, and treating myself to massive amounts of ice cream and hot chocolate, I was suddenly filled with a tremendous sense of fear - of not wanting to disappoint - of wanting to live up to expectations. So many great people wanted the role, and could have easily been chosen, and now I have to live up to what people expect. My voice teacher is always telling me that my musical theatre idol, Sierra Boggess, is constantly feeling the pressures of expectation and not wanting to let anyone down. I can't even imagine the level on which she must be feeling these emotions, seeing as she is about to open Andrew Lloyd Webber's new show - Love Never Dies. At any rate, I can now completely sympathize with her.
During the first read through of Act I, I had to sing in front of the 53 person strong cast, by myself. Not only did I have to sing - I had to belt. For the past year (since I started taking lesson) I have ben defined by my high legit soprano voice, and taunted for my failed attempts to belt! It am floored that I was cast as a character who belts. But - there I was. Belting away. I got so excited I forgot to follow the conductor - a lovely, patient, intelligent, knowledgeable woman named Debbie. She started laughing when I finally looked up and we got on the same page. I was mortified, but the accompanist came up to me afterwards and said that I sounded really good. I definitely needed that encouragement! It was also fabulous to have a feast of traditional Jewish food at the end of the read-through. Nothing like latkes to help a cast bond!
The next day we had our first music rehearsals. I was called in to work on "Matchmaker." The other two sisters get to sing in their beautiful operatic voices, and I have to belt. I jealously longed to be in their chairs, with Debby coaxing, be more operatic. Innocently and hopefully I asked, "Do you want me to be more operatic too?" Of course, she said no - mine was to be belted. Ah well - it was worth a try. It's actually an amazing opportunity to be forced into DOING (not TRYING to do - but DOING) something that I have always thought I couldn't do. Wonderful! I am so grateful that they see something in me I have never seen - and are bullying it out. I do best when I'm bullied. If people let me wallow - I'll wallow until the end of time. We also had to harmonize a little at the end. Since I am so used to singing first soprano, and don't read music, singing the middle part was intensely difficult for me. Fortunately, I had my trusty recorder, and had the wonderfully helpful accompanist record my part for me to practice at home. I also recorded the rehearsal so I could remember everything we worked on. I had rhythm problems at the beginning (Rhythm is a constant foe of mine!) and pronounced some words in too contemporary a style. I have to round out my vowel to avoid sounding "too American Idol." Words such as "Handsome" are especially trying!
Our first week of rehearsals concluded with a read through of Act II, a music session with the entire cast, and the blocking of about 32 bars of TRADITION! (the opening number.) I was assigned to the alto 2 part in the chorus, which struck me as an incredibly daunting task. Luckily, many of my music reading Pinafore friends were also in the alto 2 section, and were very gracious in helping me learn our part. It is also a great chance for me to hang out with them, since normally I'm "blocked" away from them - with my family or my Motel.
The cast is fabulous. I love the guy playing Motel. He is lovely, funny, enthusiastic, and told me I'd make a good Ariel in the Little Mermaid. What more could a girl want. My Chava is also a Little Mermaid fan, and showed me her Ariel lunchbox! Bonding at first sight!:) (For anyone who doesn't know me, I have a very intense love of everything Disney - especially "The Little Mermaid.")
We have yet to see Tevye in rehearsal, but otherwise the is incredibly talented and I am incredibly impressed with how well everyone is inhabiting their roles. I was especially impressed by the woman playing Fruma Sarah! Fruma Sarah has always been a dream role of mine, ever since I was a little girl re-inacting Fiddler on the Rood in my friend Donna's living room. Our Fruma Sarah will be legendary!
I picked up a copy of "Tevye the Dairyman" - the book which Fiddler is based off of. It is a great read, and it's surprising how closely the text of the musical resembles the text of the book. The most important insight to Tzeitel that I gained from reading the book is that - she is happy as a clam so long as she has her Motel - and she is so happy with her Motel that she doesn't notice she and her husband are starving. She also apparently makes fabulous desserts - especially honey cakes. I'm assuming that would mean her favorite household chore is cooking. She isn't so fond of the cleaning. Sounds like someone I know - oh - wait - that would be me!:)
Our director, Tony, is constantly encouraging us to engage in outside research and immerse ourselves in the culture and the time period. Well - I do love to do research. I'll let you know if I learn anything especially exciting and/or helpful.
I did learn that Tzeitel is the diminutive of Sarah and means "Princess."
That concludes week 1 of Tzeitel. I can't wait to put more of the show up on it's feet during week 2!
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