Stages of staging and first review

First, there is the audition. Second, there is the meeting with the other actors. Third, there is the reading with actors who are in, and those who are replacement actors for the dropouts. Fourth, there is the reality of short rehearsal time and making commitments to that. Fifth, there are all those things that have gone wrong or right by the next rehearsal. Sixth, there is a tech rehearsal, if one is lucky. Sixth, also, is the reality of costuming and scene changes, and how one may or may not adapt to that. Seventh, there is the final tech/dress rehearsal, and, in the Bible, it says that by then...God had created the world itself. So why is is so darned hard to get a perfect play after seven days, ya'll?

We struggling actors and crew of "The Little Nebbish" have done well against all odds cited above at the tiny Berubian Theater in Long Beach, where we will each cash in on 1/9 of the house take after all is said and done, per contract. We have had an assist to create from forces unknown. For example, last night, my cousin brought in three other relatives I have not met in a dozen years or more, and through the graces of social media, my old high school buddy who lives nearby and his wife showed up and he wrote an upbeat mini-review.

Home tonight after another 850 miles driven in the Miata in three days, a great sunny warm beach walk, some memorable conversations, terrific homemade cookin', and last night's artful performance.

From my high school classmate Lothar today:

"Dear Classmates,

Pam and I had the great pleasure of seeing Lisa Carlson perform in the World Premiere of Eliza Gale's 'The Little Nebbish' at The Berubian Theater in Long Beach California last night. It lived up to its billing as a story of lust, greed, murder and revenge. It took place in a telemarketing office. It had all the elements of a good show; comedy and tragedy. The theater was small and intimate. Lisa played a very strong role with a great valley accent. Hats off to Lisa. Our class has a true thespian as a member."