Another good show overall tonight, everyone! Just a few things:
Party Scene:
Party Boys--- both times you form a diagonal line (after your
"gallop" step in the march, and when you do your "grand battement,
chasse, battement, bow" to the girls), the line needs to be MORE of a
diagonal. Fritzes--- go closer to center, and whichever
boy is at the other end of the line, HOLD BACK!
Much better "scared" at the clock, and returning to your parents.
Please, don't start to space out during the doll dances. Many of
you are staying engaged and very animated and alive, which is wonderful,
but I noticed a few "dead" faces tonight during the Harlequin and
Columbine dance. No matter how many times you've
seen this dance, the audience needs to feel your excitement and
amazement.
All Party Kids: When Fritz has grabbed the Nutcracker from Marie
and is spinning it around, before he tries to smash it on the floor,
please STAND BACK a little more. You're all crowding in so closely that
I'm afraid someone is going to be in the way,
and it also distracts too much from the central action. So please stand
back a little more so we can clearly see Fritz and Marie.
Battle Scene:
I understand that there was some confusion tonight with the mice
carrying off the wrong soldiers and leaving some behind. If this
happens again, don't panic! Just let whatever mouse picks you up take
you offstage, and if no one picks you up, keep
marching off into the nearest wing.
Princes and Maries:
Princes, please be careful with the sword when you are battling
the Mouse King. The production department does not have a spare sword,
and it can't keep getting broken. So please be careful with how you're
using it during the fight scene.
Princes and Maries: Remember to take slower steps when you
are walking upstage at the very end of Act 1. Let's let Marie set the
pace. That means the Princes shouldn't rush and need to follow her
footsteps so you stay on the same foot until the
curtain comes down.
Act 2:
Angels: Very good, all of you! Remember, however, that
during the Sugarplum Fairy solo you should watch her dance, but please
don't fidget or droop! And a little bit of a smile would be lovely!
Chinese Tea: Now you're all doing a good job at staying in
line with Spanish during the finale step, but I would still like you to
be further towards stage left. Just spread out more, so you're not so
close to Spanish.
Thank you everyone, and see you tonight!
