It’s hard to believe that after ten days we’re already finished in the rehearsal hall and off to the Maclab stage tomorrow at noon. A whole month’s worth of work seems to have taken place already, and “A Christmas Carol” will see it’s fans again on December 2nd, the beginning of our previews before an opening night on the 5th.
Edmonton has been kind to me this year, after an incredible experience here at the Citadel with “The Three Musketeers” and “Little Women”, and the artistic and personal growth our entire company saw. The good times continue to roll with a new company of more than 30 actors, not to mention the equally massive crew, artistic staff and administration.
This is the first time I’ve stepped into this or any long running show, filling into a “track” that has long since been established and finessed by very capable actors ahead of me. People like Kevin Corey, Kevin K. James (a dear friend) and the wonderfully talented Robert Markus. Although I’m not the only newbie, we’re far outweighed by returning cast members among the Cratchits, Fezziwigs and riffraff from the gritty streets of Dickensian London.
We’re not, however, treated as strangers showing up on Christmas Day to share dinner, uninvited. The warmth of the company has been incredible, and the nudges to get my staging back on the proper track has been gentle and welcome. I was worried I’d be struggling for ten days, always behind and playing catch up, but with a team like this one can’t help but instantly feel at home, ready to make the most our of the precious little rehearsal time.
I’m grateful to my generous partners onstage, and humbled to be a part of this tradition. I just hope it will become a holiday tradition of my own.
On to London we shall go.