“You Can’t Stop the Beat.” At least that’s what I think it is… It’s all a blur anymore…
I believe this from “Fame.” Just before they all jump in the air.
We didn’t get to see the opening video montage, but we did get to perform the opening on stage tonight with lights and sound. This is from the “Time Warp” sequence where a video overview of the last four years will play on the center screen.
This Millie is also nominated for Outstanding Actress.
I really hate this show…but Bangor shows off a great production number.
Ron has been playing percussion for the Freddys since day 1….this is Paul’s second year.
This is actually the end of rehearsal today. Deena, the Artistic Director for the show, gives feedback to the kids. This year is the fifth year of the Freddy Awards so the opening is a retrospect on the opening numbers from the past. In the context of “Time Warp” we hear “One,” “Fame,” “Let the Sun Shine,” “You Can’t Stop the Beat,” and a concluding “Time Warp.” It’s all been staged by Deena and musically arranged by Ryan O’Connell, a senior at Saucon Valley High School. Last week, the band got together to record the accompaniment track. Days later we recorded the students. Even though it is sung live, the backtrack provides support and makes it sound like 200+ kids singing. Pretty cool! You can listen to some of the opening here.
Opening
Opening with vocals
Freddy Theme
Closing
Today was our first day in the theatre. I am amazed at all the “stuff”...from sound and lights to set pieces… that goes in to making this what it is. I’m sure I’ll be even more amazed next week when all the television equipment arrives.
This is during the section from “Fame.” You can just hear it in your head, can’t you…“Fame…I wanna live forever…”
This is during “You Can’t Stop The Beat.” Lots of fast movements create an interesting picture.
Another one of those distant shots. You’ll notice the theatre masks as the backdrop. Underneath the bridge, there will be a screen which will be used to show a retrospective of the first 5 years of the Freddys. Behind that will be a star drop that will change colors throughout the night.
A close up (or at least closer than most of the distant photos) during the “One” section of the opening. That’s Tara second from the left. She is one of my former students. One of my favorite things about the Freddys is working with the kids - many I know, and of course, many I do not. Ed Hanna (one of the hosts) showed up today, and I overheard him asking Shelly Brown how students get picked for the opening. Shelley mentioned that each of the 26 schools can send 4 students, but sometimes Vic (the Freddy Awards Coordinator) “stretches” that a little. Well, this year Emmaus has 10. I guess he stretched it..just a little.
I was sitting about 1/4 back in the center of the auditorium.
As I was playing around with the flash, I captured this photo (minus the flash). The lights along with the proscenium say “theatre,” don’t they?
Prior to today, the 100+ opening number cast rehearsed upstairs in the ballroom. Today they got to work with the bridge and the expanded area on the front of the stage. I really like the set this year. From the sound of it, the lighting and some more “decoration” will enhance it even more.
The piano is actually already in there. They had to build the ramp (that thing on the left) around the piano. I’m sure this will be fun getting in and out of during the ceremony.
Today was the first day we actually got to see the set. Here is the orchestra pit. I was initially a little shocked to think that we would be getting five musicians plus me in this space. But I suppose, if you remove all the junk in there, there should be plenty of room.
I know very little about photography. But I did discover that the pictures came out very dark when using a flash. Probably because of the fairly bright stage lights, there really is no need to use a flash in the theatre. I am looking forward to taking lots of pictures from my perch near the front of the stage.
