Four-tunately It Has Stopped Raining!

Well…four days away (well four and a half to be truthful). The Rain has finally stopped after three solid days of downpouring and as I sit here with twenty minutes to go before our first dress rehearsal, I realize just how much added delay the weather has given us. I hopelessly watch from the skybox where I will be on the night, and listen to the stage management channel as they are trying so hard. (I find I can now listen to Italian without having to translate it in my head I can just hear it...well that’s something at least)!

I am watching and listening to this little Herculean team of people trying to pull this Wonderfully, wet and soggy show together. It should have been much more ready by today, and due to my extreme illness I have not noticed just how close behind the eight ball the weather has put us (we are practically kissing the black orb!).

Yet I must give credit to this amazing team they remain calm on their Walkie Talkies even when I would have been released to shrieks and rants by now. But somehow they have this belief in a calm demeanor producing a calm outcome. I have to tell you I am BUYING it, and I thought I would come on line and chat to the Universe and ask for a little help.

Yes…I know what they say in theater about ‘a bad rehearsal makes a good show’ and all that.

But this is a small little town that is not used to a show this size, and we did indulge you for three days as you made the heavens weep, and we probably do not have the space to ask for such a consideration but please, please help these amazing people out and let this rehearsal have more victories than issues to solve. We all have tried so hard, and we could use a little of your magic now.

Which I have seen so much of here in Italy I will just humbly ask that in your wisdom you look down on us with Grace and Kindness and allow these hardworking people who have come such a long way in a few months time to walk home with a happy heart (and soggy shoes) tonight.

This is my day four wish for you! I humble and most graciously thank you and I jump and I believe!

Grazie! Doug

…….

12 hours later and You DID INDEED COME THROUGH FOR US, Thank You, Thank You!

You know I am a Believer and last night you gave this small group of very hardworking rain and sweat-soaked people the VICTORY they needed!

So number four in the countdown goes to the 4 teams that brought in this amazing Show. Counting the Universe as the complete total some of all of us an adding to it.

1 The Courageous Casting Department—Who took the hundreds of volunteers and had them arrive at the correct gate, on time and ready to perform.

2 The Stunning Stage Management Department—Who handled the madness on and backstage with such aplomb and grace, never missing one cue or losing one cast member in the process.

3 The Clever Choreography Department—Who stoically took a step back and allowed the other departments a GO at putting their show together on the field having prepared the cast in the rehearsals for such a time to fly on their own. Bravi.

4 The Proud Production Department—Who are the unsung heroes of the night as all of their careful planning and scheduling and time management even in torrential rains kept us on track and somehow on schedule.

So, this Victory belongs to you Guys

Bravi Tutti, I am so honored to be your Director, I learn from you daily about Grace and kindness and the true Possibility of People!