Here I go again, talking about work.
Though my title is sports editor, that doesn't mean I don't do other stuff. Take last night, for example. I had the opportunity to attend the dress rehearsal for this year's melodrama, "Egad! The Woman in White." I spent the performance taking pictures, which is typical.
I've always loved going to shows and performances. I remember going to high school plays when I was growing up. I also remember a couple concerts. But that's not what happened last night.
The melodrama has been part of Seward County for more than 20 years. The original cast performed a show each year for 20 years in Goehner at the Grange Hall. We tried to find different stories to write each year, but that became harder every year. There's only so many times you can ask the actor portraying the villain how he prepares for the role.
Circumstances led to the suspension of the annual production, which waited in limbo until last year. A new director and new cast members brought the show back at a new location. The show is done at the new Olde Glory Theatre in Seward. The theatre has a bigger stage than the Grange Hall did, giving the set designers more chances to do more with the sets. That's evident in this year's show. The designers did a nice job with the set, making it easier to change from one scene to another.
I found a copy of the program from the last time I saw the show, complete with the songs and cast members. Now I should see if I can find pictures, since I was obviously there.
Anyway, last night was another chance to see another show. I found myself critiquing pieces of the performance in my mind. There are things I would have done differently if I were the director, but I'm not and tonight is opening night, so my opinion doesn't matter.
But it's always fun to see someone else's vision of the story and how they put it together. The actors did a good job, and I'm sure they will improve as the run goes on. I wish them all the best as they enter this gruelling stretch of performances. Break a leg, everyone!
