Monday, September 28, 2009

Actor Troy Wageman - "This is why I do what I do!"


Blog entry author: Troy Wageman (Levi, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat)

Well, here we are, right smack in the middle of rehearsals for Joseph. It has been such a great experience so far. One thing I think the audience is really going to enjoy is the energy and excitement that our cast is going to be throwing to the audience every night.

One element I always look forward to is watching the audiences' reaction to productions. In this show, we have over 50 children on stage so we get the reactions a bit earlier! Rehearsing with them has been a joy. So often, actors get completely into the groove of the job and work that we forget that we are bringing a story to life. This week, with the children in rehearsal, it was very exciting to watch their faces as we were telling the story. They are so in the moment that it is actually very refreshing to have them around us. When they all sing together? Forget about it! I looked around the room at the adult cast and many (myself included) had tears welling in their eyes. What a joy to be reminded of the very special career we have.

A father of one of the children was telling me that his son doesn't want to take dance classes cause that is "lame". Well, after watching one of our dance rehearsals for the "hoe-down," he ran back to his dad and said "Dad! These guys are dancing and it's amazing....they are serious athletes!! I wanna do that, take me to dance class tomorrow!" How cool, right? THIS is why I do what I do!

3 comments:

Unknown said...

Thank you Troy for sharing your experience with us.
The children are so talented. I was blown away with their voices as they sang in harmony in Oklahoma City. I didn't think that was a concept that they could understand at their young ages.
We saw the show 4 times there.
Anthony loved working with the children in OKC.
I won't be able to make it to Seattle but my thoughts and good wishes for a successful show will there with you.
Blessings,
Julia
p.s. Say "Hello" to Anthony for me..

5th Avenue Theatre said...

Julia,
Thanks for your nice note! To be clear, this is a new production, with new direction and cast (including local Seattle children). We're glad you enjoyed the OKC production and wish you could be here for ours!

All the best,
The 5th Avenue Theatre

Rachel Oxford said...

Hey Troy,

I went with some friends on Halloween and was blown away! It was fantastic! It was my first time to the 5th AVE. I agree with you seeing the kids brought a precious dynamic to the show. I feel so blessed to have had the opportunity to have seen the show!

I want to go to WHITE CHRISTMAS this year! :)

Take care,

Rachel