I told you it was him!....Looking at rings?

My most favorite part of finalizing characterization in my roles is playing with my body onstage. Yep, I just said that.
Let me explain. I have Lenora in the palm of my hand. I know her lines, I know her thoughts, I have her looks, I've got everything laid out for her. But what I haven't pinned down yet is her physicality. It's always the most exciting part of character analysis for me because it's the part of the rehearsal process where I finally get to just let loose and play.
Lenora is freakin' wack, my friends.

I'm discovering things about her that I didn't know until now, all because I get to play with her movements! It's so much fun!
Last night we had a no-stop run through in the theatre, finally. And I have never felt more comfortable in Lenora's skin. It's such a creative process! I tried out so many new stances for Lenora last night, so many new dance moves, so many new faces, so many new feelings, gestures, sounds, discoveries. Everything! I tried every single thing I could to really finalize the transformation of becoming a schizophrenic 16 year old that is so far from reality, it's almost cute...in a sad way. Every crazy inch of Lenora is only getting crazier with each rehearsal.
The best part about figuring the physicality of a character for me is, I don't even realize I'm doing it most of the time. Most of what I create for a role, I do unintentionally. I allow myself freedom to explore, full range. At the start of rehearsal, I told myself that I was going to just have fun with Lenora. All fun, no business. I agreed with her that we would work together and merge our "crazy" for good. I told her I'd throw in some of my best moves if she would do the same. And whaddya know, I left rehearsal last night feeling incredibly proud of the new stuff we created. Nothing can stop us now. Gosh I love you, Lenora.

I like the progress we've all made with our characters at this point. I feel as if everyone onstage knows exactly who they are and what they're doing. It makes the "acting" aspect of it seem so obsolete because we are really convincing real people, not characters anymore. Everything really comes together once everyone is on the same page. And we are so on the same page now.

I've dedicated the rest of my blog to my awesome CB cast, because I love you all so much. Here are the deets:

Allison: She is so full of life! Taylor has really given Allison a real sense of being a teenager. She really knows what she wants, she just doesn't know it. Gotta love those high school years! And Taylor's voice freakin' owns the stage. If I didn't have to root for Lenora winning Cry Baby, I'd vote for you just because of your voice, Taylor. This is for you:

Cry Baby: I love you. For obvious reasons. Ryan is a freakin' badass, people. One, your voice is so perfect for this role. Two, you give Cry Baby such dynamic. I actually don't love Johnny Depp like most females do, and in the movie I think he's way too sensitive. Ryan though, gives Cry Baby so many kinds of emotions. He's a total greaser and yet at the same time he is so soft and loving towards Allison Lenora. And I just really love making you break character. :)

Baldwin: You, sir...are so hilarious. I really wasn't crazy about The Whiffles when I first read our script. But you came along and changed everything. I admire your tenacity, Baldwin. Keep going after Allison so that we can keep chasing after Cry Baby. Dowdy, you seriously are the most fun person I've ever worked with. You turn your characters into people that I genuinely miss after a show is over. I really wish Baldwin was real. We could all hang out and play Twister and drink malts and talk about how icky Justin Bieber is.

Terrance: Hopefully you read this..because I'm pretty sure you're the only one that calls yourself Terrance. Which is my dad's name. Which is cool. Christopher, you are so great! You always have such alluring stage presence. You have the quirkiest, silliest, dorkiest moments onstage. And I'm almost jealous that I'm not nearly as adorable as you. Bravo, my Whiffly friend!

Hatchet-face: You are without a doubt, the one that hates Lenora the most in this show. I'm convinced that you actually hate me more than Cry Baby. And I licked his face last night! Ya know why I love you, though. Because you are disgusting. You burp and slurp up your loogies like it's nobody's business. And I just love watching you during rehearsals. The other night I saw you standing there practicing making ugly misshapen faces and you probably didn't think anyone was watching you...but I was..because I'm a stalker. Your devotion to being horrendous, though, is quite charming. And to top it all off, your hair is so great. You know how I feel about hair, Sarah...

Pepper: First of all, you need to know this. My boss's dad's nickname is Pepper. And he is the craziest man I've ever met. So I knew right from the start that your name would lead you to also be a crazy awesome person. Marci, you are the proudest pregnant 16 year old I've ever come across. You are so excited about being preggers! Not because you actually want a baby, but because you think it's actually cool to be pregnant. Haha, and you are a total rocker! I absolutely love your voice in "A Whole Lot Worse." My favs!


Square girls: Alex and Jen, I think we need to get you some Square names to match those Square do's. I really love both of you. You guys hate Lenora so much! But not like The Drapes hate me. You guys hate me because you actually think I'm icky; like I have leprosy or something. Rude. But really, you guys keep me in line. Alex especially is constantly reminding me when I'm doing something wrong...which is like all the time. And Jen, you are just too cute. You remind me so much of my favorite New Liner Michelle Sauer. You guys should have brunch with me someday soon, so we can discuss floral print and ModCloth dresses.

Whiffle men: Devon and Evan. How perfect. :) You guys are so Square. And I love you most, because you never get to express your disgust for Lenora like the others do. You both have sweet dances moves! And Evan, you get to tongue Marci. Which we all think is hilarious...in the best way possible.

Mrs. Vernon-Williams: I feel it necessary for you to buy a VW in honor of this production. And because you deserve it! You're the only person EVER, who encounters Lenora and I onstage and doesn't shun our crazy. You are the only grandmother I've always wanted ever had. And I applaud you for being the oldest person in this cast and still being able to keep up with our ridiculous antics. You're so funny on and off stage, Cindy. I also think you should have a baton at the end. Just borrow Allison's.

Wanda: I want your hair. We all do. And we might have to make that happen...You, ma'am, are awesome! You're a Pisces, which automatically makes you cooler than everyone. And you are willing to make mistakes; I really like that about you. You'll get these dances down, don't worry. I believe in you. And I feel like you deserve a Sister Act moment in the nun outfit...I'm just sayin'. Your shining moment is definitely when you sing "perves" in "A Whole Lot Worse." I'm glad I'm off stage at that moment because I crack up every single time.

All of Zak's personalities: Tuck in your shirt. And quit movin' your ass like that. You're making it very difficult to not like you...we don't wanna get Cry Baby jealous now. So knock it off, you hellion.

Dupree: I envy your vocal chords. And if you whisper to me in that raspy voice of your's behind our beautifully trimmed bush ever again...well, you know what's gonna happen to you. Haha, have I mentioned that I love that Lenora and Dupree get to tongue? You are without a doubt, the only Drape that even remotely likes me. It may have something to do with the fact that I'm the only Square-ish girl that will let you touch me, but who knows.. I think you are pretty groovy, Ari. Put in a good word for me with that bestie of your's.



There ya have it! We're rockin' and rollin', friends. I'm very happy with what we've all created. This is definitely going to be way better than the movie...sorry, Mr. John Waters. But I think you'll all agree.

Hurrah for the fun to be had backstage, awesome cast mates!



Lick ya later <3