The Calm Before The Storm...

"The calm before the storm." That's how Rantoul and Die Director, Erin Quigley, described the atmosphere at the Lillian Theater on Wednesday night during a break in rehearsal. And calm it was. Crew members moved about quietly on stage adjusting this, fixing that. Actors sauntered to and from their dressing rooms. The lights were down. The stage, dim. Every set piece was in its meticulously chosen place. A few touches had been added. Bricks leading to the wooden steps of the porch. Empty bottles and cans, purchased by the play's Producer, Don Foster, from a homeless man outstide the theater a few minutes earlier, filled the trash cans in the yard. As always, special attention had been given to the little things.

The time was 6:30pm and the full dress rehearsal was set to begin shortly. This would be the last run thru before the preview performance on Thursday night. The air was calm but filled with anticipation. Weeks of blood, sweat, and pee were about to pay off. Literally. But for now there was a strange peace. A stillness even. But not for long.

At about 7pm the organized chaos began. Paul Dillon and Cynthia Ettinger came out on stage and began rehearsing their choreographed fight scenes while Erin looked on, making sure no one was actually hurt. The crew rearranged props on the set and made sure lights and music were ready to go. By 7:30 they began reviewing lighting cues for the last scene and rehearsing how the actors would take their bows.

Everything ran smoothly like a well oiled machine and by 8pm the run thru had begun. Right on schedule. But that was to be expected. This talented team of individuals had worked too hard to miss a beat. Mark Roberts and the Producers Don Foster and Stephen Eich took their seats and watched as their vision unfolded before them. Erin watched with a critically trained eye to see if the actors incorporated her notes and directions.

The run thru went on without a noticeable hitch and as Paul Dillon, Rich Hutchman, Cynthia Ettinger, and Lisa Rothschiller took their bow it seemed as though they breathed a collective sigh of relief. One performance down. Thirty-one to go.

Previews performances of Rantoul and Die begin Thursday, May 14th at The Lillian Theater. The play officially opens Saturday, May 16th at 8pm and runs through July 4th. Call 323-960-4424 for reservations or visit http://www.rantoulanddie/ for more info.