Well its been a busy enough week as I'm now working on the songs/music for the show. It's a different process writing songs to fit a story than it is writing from inspiration which is given free rein. I'ts hard to say which one is my favourite - I'm really happy with all of them. [mind you, I haven't finished the finale number yet!]
We'll be blocking at the theatre tomorrow night and the cast will meet the newest member - the young lass who is playing Gemma. [nope, still not letting you know who the cast is yet ....its under wraps until the end of this week when the promotional stuff starts] I'm delighted with the lineup tho'! There's a rich mixture of skills, talents, energy, enthusiasm.....I feel very blessed.
With just @ 5 weeks left to go, it's going to be a race against the clock but we're going to get there, I'm confident.
A very talent artist friend is coming on Friday to help me get the backdrop started and hopefully I'll have the musicians lineup completed by the end of the week. Do you like the illustration above?
The drawing was created by my very artistic and musically gifted buddy - David Baker. He took the 'between the lines' a step further and shows the woman behind the mask.
Between the Lines opens Sat 12th and Sun 13th at the Royal Exchange Theatre, 34-36 Bolton Street, Newcastle. Tickets are just $14pp and you can book on 4929 4969
Ooh, Helen's piece fitted rather nicely into Gemma's opening soliloquy - with minimal adjustment - and easier than I anticipated. Sweet!
Tonight I've been doing some editing in the last 3 Acts - and of course, I recognise that as simply a rather clumsy avoidance tactic! can't fool me! Because I'm scrambling for inspiration to complete the last 3 scenes. Guess it's gonna be a mad dash to the finish! maybe a decent nights kip will stimulate the creative juices?
I have to admit, that I'm not absolutely confident now that I've hit the right plot line for Dorian and her tale beneath the story. Whether that's just self-doubt creeping in or whether its instinct sending me a warning shot across the bow - I've yet to decide. Perhaps its a case of seeing such a clear and strong direction for the other characters, that Dorian's isn't cutting it as sharply as it could? Hmm, wish I had a writing partner sometimes to bounce things off!
Oh well, I haven't so I'm gonna have to sort it out myself for now. Fingers crossed that tomorrow will be more productive.
Tune in tomorrow......same nest, same hen house .... this is a daily blog to help me maintain focus and momentum - the script for this show needs to completed before the 3rd May. Constructive ideas and comments are welcome
Between the Lines opens on 12/13 June at the Royal Exchange Theatre in Newcastle
Back again after a badly needed but dreadfully misused break...and sad to say I have come back with nothing to contribute to the script! Fortunately, my friend Helen - also a writer, and a darn clever one too - had some ideas for Gemma that she has passed along for me to consider. THANKS HELEN! Although I suspect that you, too, enjoyed a somewhat misspent weekend? huummm?
Because Gemma's character has changed a bit, the piece won't fit neatly into the dialogue as it is ....but I really like what you've put together. So I'll edit the copy - minimally to fit the re-shaped Gemma - and shoot it back to you for approval ...hope that's ok with you?
But time is - not ticking, not marching - absolutely bolting away and I realise I have just 6 days left to complete the script ready for the first cast meeting. Uh Oh, gotta get cracking. When last I looked, Sheri was the final character to reveal the underlying aspect which demonstrates the link that connects them all. So now the task is to bring it together, fit the final pieces in place, and bring it to the conclusion I want.
should be easy enough, yes? [huh, what do they say about best laid plans 'n all?] I'll let you know tomorrow! oh, and there's a casting call out for the role of Gemma so if you know anyone in the Newcastle area who'd like to jump on board and give it a go, let me know ...
Tune in tomorrow......same dot on the dial.... this is a daily blog to help me maintain focus and momentum - the script for this show needs to completed before the 3rd May. Constructive ideas and comments are welcome
Between the Lines opens on 12/13 June at the Royal Exchange Theatre in Newcastle
Wow! I can't believe how long it's been since I got back to my blog....and how easy it is for time to slip away. So thought it was a good time to share a little Peppermint Tea with my readers [if I've got any left!]
Sometimes life gets so busy doesn't it? Last weekend I slipped up to the Central West of NSW to play at Coolah - for the lovely locals and their 'Rockin' the Racecourse' festival - and at Barraba - in their stunning Playhouse Hotel. The Playhouse is a tribute to one man's dream....Andrew Sharp has converted an old run-down hotel into an oasis, a refuge for the weary soul, a space to let time slip by, re-connect with the inner you, and let the pace of life pass on by. At least for a little while. We played in the lovely courtyard instead of the purpose built theatre [yep! its true! actually IN the hotel] because it was such a beautiful day - too good to be inside! You can check it out for yourself at www.playhousehotel.com Peppermint Tea was written during a tour of SE Queensland - an area I tour frequently because it loves and supports my music. The song brings back fond memories of chilling out on the steps of our accommodation by the river in Brisbane, with a dearly-loved friend, as we shared a morning herbal tea and listened to the harmony of nature and friendship. So it was appropriate to give it a run at The Playhouse as we listened to the sounds of the country amongst new friends. [I definitely felt rejuvenated after our visit]
Here's one of my favourite lines from the song: ....... feeling nothing's better than being alive breathin' in and out as time's slippin' by haven't any need to be wondering why.....
You can hear a sound sample at http://maureen.com.au/album.php?id=32
and to get a free copy of the track via MP3...simply send me a message from the website telling me what the song brings to YOUR mind
