DVD Information

What a bummer to have my first post-production post be this one.  


Many of you have commented on your DVD's... some are not working correctly and I have heard many comments regarding the overall quality.  Here is what I know so far, and I will continue to update as I get information:


According to Chris (the videographer), there was a problem in the copying process and he will replace all DVDs at no cost.  PLEASE KEEP YOUR DVD because they will be exchanged on a 1 for 1 basis.  (Jacqueline and I will work to put together a January get-together at which we can re-distribute.)  That's the good news.  


He adds: "The DVD issue will be fixed so it will play both Scrooge and Oliver, however, the other complaints (sound, not enough time on camera) are not something I can fix. If people with those complaints would like to contact me directly I can discuss their concerns with them. "  So please use the contact information included with your DVD if you'd like to address those other concerns directly with Chris.


I will continue to update as I receive more information.

An Addition to our Dickens Family

In case any of the parents of orphans wonder how they're getting along during the long Festival days, I assure you they are having a great time, thanks largely to this guy.  While the moms are doing a great job of keeping them safe, accounted for, and busy, Vince is working hard to make sure they get their fair share of fun.  Here are no less than eleven orphans lined up ready to be swung.  I actually had one little girl in tears when we lined up to do street theater because she "waited in line for that guy to swing me, and I didn't get a turn yet."

Thanks, Vince, for keeping our orphans smiling (when they aren't required to put on grouchy faces).

Channel 2 Morning News

Here are the links to our two spots on Channel 2's Morning News Show.  Thank you (very much...) to those who came this morning.  I hope you find time for a nap.  Enjoy!

Oliver Segment
Scrooge Segment

Adam Wilkins

A favorite moment for me this year was watching Adam (Fagin) grab Colton Jensen by the shirt and holler, "You lost Oliver?!" so loudly it nearly reduced the poor pickpocket to tears.  Adam is fully committed to his character, never once breaking on stage.  He thinks of clever ways to fill in empty spaces with characterization, and I like watching the little things like his evil fingers.  Then, of course, there's the tremendous respect I have for both his talent and his professionalism, and I love to steal his sayings.  "Run fast, bow slow."  It's mine now.

Hatch Family

Last, but in NO WAY least, the show just wouldn't be the same without the Hatch family.  Gary (Bill Skyes, Ghost of Christmas Present) has been with us since the beginning, intimidating pickpockets and loosening up a grouchy Scrooge.  His booming voice fills the stage, and watching him pick Oliver up by the arms and carry him kicking across the stage is a nightly favorite of mine.

Zack (Christmas Future) agreed to join us for what has sometimes been thought of as a bit of a throw-away role.  Not the way Zack does it!  There may not be any glory in being the man behind the mask, but the stilts sure do make it cool.

Eric (Narrator) arrived home from serving an LDS mission to find out his dad had volunteered him to be a part of our show.  Somehow I'm going to remember to let him do his job and actually read his narration before I start Scrooge.  Somehow.  

Fresh Living Promo

Here's another great promotional spot!

http://connect2utah.com/libraries/nxd/media/?data=media_player&brand=fresh-living&v=352347

Amber Astin

Amber (Cook, Rose Seller, Strawberry Seller, Christmas Past) definitely deserves more praise than I've had a chance to give to her.  She is one of those people who just delivers a solid, consistent performance, rarely needing correction and - therefore - rarely getting attention from the director.  So Amber, this is your thank you for a job consistently well done, and I can't wait to see you gorgeously decked out at Christmas Past!

Praise for All

So because I may never have the chance later to tell you all how AWESOME you all are I will tell you now. I am so thrilled at how you all look and sound. You have all worked so hard and it shows. This is the best production I have seen at the festival in years! I must say how much I love and appreciate Andrea, Jackie and Skyler who have worked and worked. I knew when I asked Andrea to take on this project that she would set the bar so high that any other director after or before her would never reach it and I was right. I love you all so much and can't wait to get to the fun part THE SHOW.
Thanks
Jacqueline
JJ

Chance Fountaine

Although a lot of the cast starts to feel like family by this point in the process, this guy really is family to me!  Chance (orphan and my nephew) joined us last year as an orphan and then begged his mom all year to get to be on a stage again.  I think we've maybe unleashed something that may never be caged again!  Chance is focused and excited to be at rehearsal, and I can always count on him to be right where he should be.

Early Morning TV Promotion

On Friday morning, we have the opportunity to share the Dickens Festival on the morning news.  We would love to have AS MANY CAST MEMBERS participate as possible.  If you're interested, please be there and IN COSTUME by 5:30 am on Friday morning.  I wish I could share a specific schedule and plan, but these types of things kind of have to be flexible.  The film crews will be there from 5:30 am to 8:00 am.  If you can come but cannot stay the whole time, please do come.  I will try to use everyone in some capacity at some point during that time frame.

I know it feels like ONE MORE THING to add to a crazy week, but hey, it's TV!!

I'll have a RSVP sheet available on Tues and Wed for you to check if/when you'll be there.

Thanks!

Andrea

Discount Tickets: A Few Options

Tickets are already a dollar off if you buy them online, but sometimes it's easier to promote our show with something physical.  You may print as many $1 off coupons as you like.  You may also simply email them to people or send them to the blog to print them.  

There are two formats.  If you can print double-sided, I'd print the coupons on one side and the show info on the other.  If you can't, I'd just go for the all-in-one version.

If you'd like your coupons customized, let me know and I'll email you a file with your name(s) in the blank space so you don't have to write it in individually.

Click here for full-sized versions you can print (click ctrl+p).  

Polishing the Orphans

Wow, these little orphans have worked SO hard to get ready for their part in our show.  Their part is incredibly important, starting off Oliver! with a bang.  Please help your orphans watch this clip and answer two questions:

1 - What did I do really well?
2 - What can I do even better on?

Megan Tholen

Gorgeous.  Talented.  Spunky.  Friendly.  Dedicated.  Professional.  Pretty sure I could go on, especially with unrelated things like "has lots of adorable shirts and to-die-for boots."  Megan (Nancy, Isabel) is one of those actresses whose energy just isn't containable; it radiates from her the moment she sets foot on the stage.  I am so glad she chose to contribute all of that to our shows this year, and I really hope I'll get the chance to work with her again in the future!

Layton Family

Another of our sister sets, Maggie (orphan) and Dylan (orphan) are becoming quite the little powerhouses.  It has been amazing to watch their confidence grow, and I can't wait to see what they're going to do on the real stage!

Nick Nebeker

I'll admit to saying things like, "If anyone knows someone who can even walk across the stage without tripping, I'll take him."  I never dreamed I'd get somebody as talented as Nick (Ensemble, Young Scrooge) to play the part of Scrooge's younger self.  You'd never know he joined the cast late, because he never misses a line, a step, or an entrance.  Most of the time, I don't even need to explain things to Nick.  He just goes and does.  We may have missed him in the beginning, but Nick was worth the wait.