Like Brigadoon, I've re-emerged from the Performance Mists...

Hi friends,

Laura Thornton here. I’m the Artistic Producer here at Whale Song Theatre. I consider myself many things - a producer, director, writer, stage manager, sometimes an actor and very rarely, a singer. Like…I can. And I have. But it’s very much something I’ve avoided doing for more than fun for many years.

Until we have an actor break a leg.

Literally.

Again.

We lost our actor cast as Sarah Jane Moore in our upcoming production of Assassins and director Ian Gilmore (who worked with me on my very first musical waaaaaaaaaaaaaay back in 2005 when we were both children) asked me to step into the role. I was honoured - and terrified - to say yes.

My comfort level is easy, sweeping, melodic pop-Broadway where I can hang out in my alto-tenor range. Stephen Sondheim is not known for his natural melodies or ya know…being easy. But I wanted to put my money where my mouth is and actually walk-the-walk once in a while. Makes me a better director if I know the abject fear that comes with performing right?

I thought it might be fun to blog along my rehearsal experience as someone who’s a little out of practice, but loves to be challenged. Follow along as I stumble through this experience, regain my confidence and eventually bring the show to life for 8 paying audiences.