Chapter 10

We got to the theatre in time for Carol to change into her black wig, and for us to change into our first outfits; my first scene is Act 1, Scene 2 – the graffiti scene. Carol’s first scene is Act 1, Scene 3 – the bridal shop.

Marcus, our director was yelling, “We start in 5 minutes?”

Everywhere around us you could hear, “Thank you, 5.”

In five minutes our assistant stage manager, which used to be me, but now was Wally Newberry, announced, “PLACES, EVERYONE.”

The orchestra was finishing its myriad of sounds that typically happen just before a performance. The conductor, Jose Mitchell, tapped his baton on his music stand, raised his arms and the Prologue started. I knew that it took three minutes fifty-one seconds, so I found Carol, reminded her to take off her ring, gave her a quick kiss and told her to break a leg.

She thanked me, took off her ring and said to me, “Te Adoro, Anton. “ I told her I loved her, too. It’s amazing she’s able to put all that beautiful red hair of hers, under the black wig she wears for the part.

The Prologue/Overture sounded spot on, and the show began. All the Sharks, Jets and their girls are students at SFU. The adults in the play are local community theatre people who audition, and get what they get.

The first scene started,

RIFF“Against the Sharks we need every man we got”

ACTION“Tony don’t belong anymore.”
RIFF“Cut it, Action boy. I and Tony started the Jets.”
ACTION“Well, he acts like he don’t wanna belong.”
BABY JOHN“Who wouldn’t wanna belong to the Jets.”
RIFF“Right. He’s always come through for us and he will now.”

The song began:

“When you’re a Jet,
You’re a Jet all the way
From your first cigarette,
To you last dyin’ day.
When you’re a Jet,
If the shit hits the fan,
You got brothers around,
You’re a family man.”

“You’re never alone,
You’re never disconnected.
You’re home with your own
when company’s expected
You’re well protected.”

“Then you are set
with a capital J.
Which you’ll never forget
till they cart you away
When you’re a Jet.
You ... stay ... a Jet.”

The scene and the rest of the song went well everybody was word perfect on his or her lines. The show continued on. It was sounding pretty good, our Riff is a freshman, but man, can he sing and dance. I think he’s in SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS.

There had been a few more pauses then there should have been. Tonight was the first rehearsal that the actors couldn’t stop and ask for help on lines; they had to ‘muddle through’ unless somebody went fubar, and our director Marcus didn’t like fubars.

My first scene was coming. I went out on cue and remembered all my lines – listening for my cues and thinking about the song I have coming up, ‘Something’s Coming’.’ Now ... the strings do this staccato rhythm that I have to come in just right to:

TONY“Who knows? There’s
something due any day,
I will know right away, soon as it shows...”

I’m right on pitch – the song’s going well, I might be putting too much emotion into it; I’m not sure. With these new feelings for my sister, it’s really easy to get emotional now:

“It may come cannonballing
down through the sky,
Gleam in its eye, Bright as a rose!”
“Who knows? It’s only just out of reach,
Down the block, on a beach, Under a tree.
I got a feeling there’s a miracle due,
Gonna come true, Coming to me!”

“Could it be? Yes, it could.
Something’s coming,
something good, If I can wait!
Something’s coming,
I don’t know what it is, But it is
Gonna be great!”
“With a click, with a shock,
phone’ll jingle, door’ll knock,
Open the latch!”

I’m wandering all over the stage; the spotlight follows me.

“Something’s coming,
don’t know when, but it’s soon;
Catch the moon, One-handed catch!’

“Around the corner,
Or whistling down the river,
Come on, deliver -- To me!”

“Will it be? Yes, it will.
Maybe just by holding still,
It’ll be there!”

I’m barely holding back tears!

Come on, something,
come on in, don’t be shy,
Meet a guy, pull up a chair!

“The air is humming, something
great is coming, who knows?
It’s only just out of reach,
down the block, on a beach...
Maybe tonight... ?”

I leave the stage exhausted, but satisfied. Only eighteen musical numbers to go

The rehearsal was hurtling from scene to scene. Everyone seemed to be really putting their all into it. Next up was my first scene of the night with Carol—at the dance. I have to keep my emotions in check. My favorite song in the entire musical is the song, ‘Maria’, and the Dance Scene segues into that song.

The scene goes well. My kiss with Carol was very fragile ... and singing the song about her was very hard without bursting into tears. I did feel my eyes moistening a few times during this song as well. It went better than any time I ever sang it. It very quickly goes from that scene to the Fire Escape Scene, where we perform the dialogue and it segues into the song, “Tonight.”

The scene goes absolutely perfect.

I know, I’m prejudiced, but she is easily the best Maria I’ve ever worked with. She has that pure soprano voice. Our part of the scene ends with a kiss ... which was magical to me. That old expression “Like kissing your sister” has a glorious new meaning to me.