Truly Present at Rehearsal ("Firstborn")

Director Tiffany Golden in Action

Good rehearsal of "Firstborn" tonight in that room behind the stage, while another loud and raucous rehearsal went on next door. Oh boy, another actress fell, doing something she isn't used to doing while a fight scene was being analyzed and choreographed. Like me, she picked herself up, dusted herself off, and bounced back to life in no time. I was trying to focus on my mind and the blocking rather than moving too much after yesterday's adventure. I'm still a bit sore, but OK. Hardest part of my day was shifting the Miata into first gear.

We played another game, and I was a bit slow to catch on, but it's truly fun...in this one, you mime an action while telling what you are doing, which is not the action you are miming, and you pass it on to the next player who picks up on your description...it makes a neat dance and lubricates the acting muscles.

Another fight scene was choreographed by Tiffany with help from expert Thandiwe DeShazor. As always, the actors were intense and resonant. My character, Sister Jackie got the newly inserted few minutes at the church, so I got to partner with actress Claudia Walker (Rachelle) for a few minutes, in an intense scene with Clarence Jones (Eli).

I enjoyed working with Dee Dee Higesen, who plays Sister Claudine, the pastor's wife, and runs me out of her home.

Check out the image of Motown producer Berry Gordy on the wall behind Tiffany.