Notes from GAVIN - Saturday, Dec. 17 - PLEASE READ!

Notes from Saturday, Dec.17 matinee:

Party Scene:

1. Party Boys, PLEASE remember to hold your hands firmly behind the small of your back!  Most of you look like your hands are on your hips because you're not holding them completely behind your back.  This happens especially when you're doing the march step and during the Father-Daughter dance.  Please pay attention to this!
2. After the Grandparents enter, the group of girls (and boys when they join from the candy table) is still too close to the center of the stage.  You're crowding the action at center stage.  Girls, please keep the group closer to the wings, and boys, don't crowd closer to center when the Frau Stahlbaum opens the candy box.
3. Party Girls, please stay excited and animated during the Harlequin and Columbine doll dance.  You started to get a little glazed-over and bored today.

ALL PARTY CHILDREN:  This is quite important-  remember that no matter how many times you have done party scene, each performance must look spontaneous, fresh, and very animated to the audience.  Many of you are anticipating the next moment or action during the party scene, which makes the entire scene look planned and dull.  Remember to keep your eyes on the person or people who are the center of the action at any given moment, follow what is happening, and never let your acting drop for even a second.  You're not supposed to know what is going to happen next!  You don't know what Drosslemyer is going to do, or what your parents are going to do, or what Fritz is going to do when he grabs the Nutcracker.  Please keep thinking all the time and never drop out of character.

Battle Scene:

1. Sentry, Trumpeter, and Bunny:  I need you to move the cannon to center sooner.  As soon as the soldier move into their V formation, start the wheels rolling so you can get the cannon to center in time.  You can even get your hands positioned on the cannon to move it when the sabres stab the mouse.
2. SABRES:  I need you to be more aggressive and really drag that mouse after you've stabbed him.  I know it's hard, but you've just got to reach down, grab his ankles, and PULL.
3. BUNNY and TRUMPETER:  Still more cheese-throwing!  Grab a couple of pieces in each hand and throw them as high and far as you can.

Miles- and all Bunnies-- really pull the Mouse King's tail!   You may have to reach down for it, but get your eyes on it before you start running so you know where it is, and give it a good pull.


Act 2:

1. Angels:  Good job today!  I know you know that you're supposed to cross in front of the Sugarplum Fairy.  Even if she seems too far in front of you, still cross in front of her.  I asked her to stay back a little so it will be easier for you next time.
2. Veyonce, remember to stay on diagonal with the Prince when you are standing in front of the Sugarplum Fairy (before and after the Prince's pantomime).  Both of you should be visible to the audience.
3. Good pantomime, Wyatt!
4. ALL POLICHINELLES:  I spoke to today's cast about this, but all Polis should be aware that if you touch the Mother Ginger skirt while you're coming onstage, the audience can tell that there are people underneath.  If you're too crowded or afraid you'll trip (and are on the stage right side underneath the skirt), move to the back of the skirt.  Make sure you don't punch or touch the skirt from underneath.
5. Reminder to all Candy Canes to watch out for the scenery when you run on for your dance so you don't catch your hoop on it! 
   
6. Candy Canes, please keep your backs straighter when you bow to the Sugarplum Fairy during the greeting.