Week 2 of rehearsals is in the books. Although it feels more like 2 months because we've accomplished so much. The entire show is blocked, and Act I and Act II have both been run through at least once beginning to end. Some of the transitions in this show are brutally hectic, but I think we have a pretty good handle on them so far. There is much work yet to be done, but our venerable director, Warner, feels like we're in a good place, and I tend to agree. I'm about 95% there on my lines, and the other 5% will come with repetition.
Now to turn my attention to character development.
That's Frank Nicklin (my primary character) up above, taken from a profile of him written up in The Observer in 1999. Looking at those mischievous eyes and that equally mischievous grin gives me some insight into why Frank is written into this show the way he is. Frank is first and foremost the comic relief. Boisterous and quick with a quip, he's been a joy to play with in rehearsal. But my challenge will be to avoid turning him into a one-dimensional clown.
I took a class on "Clowns in Shakespeare" several years ago, and one of the most important takeaways was, Clowns Feel Everything At 300%. They are 300% happier, 300% sadder, 300% more frightened at every moment than the other characters on stage. So I think that will be my challenge for Week 3. Understand what Frank feels about each moment, and ramp it up to 300%.
I mean, just look at that guy up above. Do you think he ever did anything at less than 300%?