Rants and Raves

It has been quite some time since I've written. Part of that is my writing style/preferences for blogging. On most days, I want my blog to be positive and professional...because I don't know who might read it. However, after reading other friends' blogs I feel it is okay to truly speak my mind.  After all, we are protected by the first amendment and my adopted mantra is to be bold, free and truthful! :)

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST is currently en route to Kalamazoo, MI. I'm anxious to get there because we will begin understudy/cover rehearsals. I'll get to work/rehearse!!!

I feel disconnected in many ways. It has been hard for me to sit in various locales and observe the show for so long. While it's been great to look at the show (macro and micro) and notate, I wasn't quite prepared for the daily anxiety and lack of rehearsal space/time. Nevertheless, now comes the time to test my mind and memory--and PLAY!

I know that I will eventually enjoy this formidable experience and return to NYC smarter and stronger. Already, I understand more about the creative process and the various components of commercial theatre. I will have traveled the country, worked with a Disney dream team and fulfilled a childhood dream! In addition, I'll be acclimatized to a long process and touring!

Reviews for BEAUTY AND THE BEAST have been very positive and nightly audiences have been full and responsive. While all of the men have been able to perform, our female swing/D.C. recently went in for an ill female ensemble member. I was in the audience recording some new choreography and must say I'm very proud of her. We haven't had much time on our feet and she stepped into the show rather effortlessly.

On other fronts, I've greatly enjoyed the opportunity to catch up with many friends! Many of you are getting married and I hope I can attend! I've appreciated save the date's, invitations and cards. For the next sixteen months, please write me at:

Tony Howell
C/O BATB Tour
7135 Minstrel Way, Suite 105
Columbia, MD 21045

I've also been doing some creative work and am in the process of developing an ongoing project. More to come later...

(((LOVE)))

Tony

Opening Night Celebration

(L to R: Carolyn Violi, Connor Gallagher, Matt West, Rob Roth, Tony Howell, Hols Fischer)

Opening Night Cakes!

Leaving our mark on Providence, RI!

"Final" Rehearsal Days

I am writing from Starbucks in Downtown Providence early in the morning. After attending the best Super Bowl party of my life (sorry Hoosiers!), I came home and couldn't sleep more than a few hours. After endless tossing and turning, I decided it best to get up and blog this morning, work out and begin to work on my 2009 taxes!

It's the day of our "final" dress rehearsal. I use final loosely because the show is really in previews. Tonight will be the last time the doors will be closed to the public, but the show will still be finessed and rehearsed for weeks. It is an exciting day as Broadway photographer Joan Marcus joins us to capture the show. I'll post links to the photographs when available.

I'm constantly running the show in my head. I get frustrated when I can't think of what comes next because I know that will be a huge problem when I go on! In good news, I'm developing a great methodology! Because I'm on tour, I'm turning all of my notes/charts/script digital!

I'm working with the dance captain to create charts for every musical number in the show. By creating a template in Photoshop, when we need to follow one track more specifically, I can highlight track positioning in a number of ways!

Say "Bonjour" to Act One, Song #2 at Bar 16!

In addition, I've created an excel spreadsheet for every track. Having Stage Management and Wardrobe share their spreadsheets have allowed me to more quickly assemble costume/set changes and props!

Since I'm working so much on my computer in rehearsal, I've also begun taking notes digitally. This allows me to quickly write down changes and later wade through my charts and spreadsheet to make the necessary adjustments--sometimes for nine people!

If that's not enough to keep me busy, I'm also doing some print pieces for a previous web client, Angela Kariotis! I look forward to sharing her work here later.

If you are really interested in the show, be sure to take advantage of some of the virtual media available:
Official Website and Press
Official Tour Blog
Become a BATB fan on Facebook

I look forward to the journey and adventures ahead! Hope to see you soon!

Tony