Today was a great day.
We have been in Australia for 6 days and are on the brink of pulling off a major outdoor production halfway around the world. We are performing our all-ages park adventure, Gerda's Journey (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yTpP6aaVFOk) in three locations in the Adelaide region. First up is setting the piece on the estate of the Para Road Wineries (Richmond Grove, Peter Lehman & Langmeil Wineries) just 9 days after we arrive. Today we got our entire cast for Gerda's Journey (five simpletons, three Aussie professional actors, and eight community-based actors from the local Barossa Valley wine region) for the first time.
Ok, our whole cast is not together YET; key simpleton Ricky Coates is just about to hop on a plane, having just finshed his run at the Washington Ensemble Theater. Ricky arrives in the Barossa about an hour into our final dress rehearsal.
Regardless, had a lovely 4 hour rehearsal in the blazing heat (37 C, 100ish F), and were rewarded with a glorious sunset whilst sipping the open bottles from the winery's cellar door. Good art, good will, and good wine. Good combination. We open the show on Friday, and much remains to do, but it all seems a little more doable right now.
