Continuing in the vein of keeping a blog of rehearsals, last night saw us invade the Brennan Residence for a few hours to get some action going on between the miners and the trappers with a little early work done on ‘The Trapper Song’ itself. We’re tight on space this week until we move into ‘The Barn’ (Barnstorm Theatre space) this coming Monday so plenty of cups of tea and plates of biscuits were had in Eddie’s (playing Loutzenheiser) kitchen before moving the tables back and setting the scene, running the store scene (sans Crazy Old Ralph), on to the trapper song at the whore camp (we don’t have Indians so we’re opting for whores, or a ‘travelling burlesque’ camp if you’re to put a polite but devious twist on things), and some later confrontations between Packer (Dave Thompson) and Frenchy (Paddy Dunne) upon entering Saguache.

David Thompson (Alferd Packer), Paddy Dunne (Frenchy Cabazon)

Each of the scenes were run through a few times, the trapper song itself getting the most work in an effort to have the timing bang-on.

Back at the ranch (and by ‘back at the ranch’ I mean over by the kettle) pre and post rehearsal we discussed all our promotional options, seeing how far we can push things without being legally challenged or winding up performing Cannibal! The Musical from the comfort of a prison cell somewhere in the country. We’re not that devious…. honestly.

It was good to get the trappers and miners together, some more great dialogue between them, nobody holding back in terms of their characters or delivery. Plenty of stage notes taken as we move on to the third day of rehearsals tonight which should have us look at all the interactions between Polly and Packer, Packer and Frenchy and the Sheriff characters as well (Lake City and Saguache).

Next week things really kick off when we move into ‘The Barn’ with the entirety of Act One already on the cards but thats for another week!