ACT TWO - ROLLING ALONG

Today we stumbled through the entire second act. Our ensemble is terrific. They dance, they create atmosphere, they never leave the stage (except for two minutes in the second act). They are probably the hardest working people on any Washington stage right now. They are willing and game for anything. We break the mold a lot with this production and they are up for anything. This group of eight actors do what usually takes 24 to do. So it's pretty amazing — and the women do it in four inch heels!

It's been a terrific creative process so far. What I've discovered is that since we aren't doing the show in a conventional way, the scenes don’t work if they aren't re-imagined in a new way. So be prepared. This show is going to be very special and moving. Folks will really discover MERRILY for the first time and see an old friend.

As promised, here's a model of the set for MERRILY done by James Kronzer. Just look at that staircase.

-ES