The Importance of Being Earnest opens this weekend!

Well, it's finally here! More than three months after auditions, and two months of rehearsals, my cast of The Importance of Being Earnest opens Saturday night! Tonight is our last dress rehearsal. We are VERY ready for an audience. The costumes are gorgeous and the sets delightful. We have worked so hard to memorize our lines, connect with each other as an ensemble, and develop our characters and comic timing. It's going to be great...

...As long as people come to support us!

When doing a comedy, there are few things more frightening than a very small or non-responsive audience. People who don't perform live have no idea that an audience can make or break a show. The performers feed off the energy that the audience provides, and when the audience is laughing and clapping and engaged, the actors just want to please them more -- we'll do anything for those who love us! We are thrilled when you  have as much fun watching as we do performing!

Hello? Is anybody out there?

Last night, our director confessed that there are several nights where not one ticket has yet been sold (particularly on Tuesday and Thursday nights). This might not be a huge problem -- I think most of my friends are used to buying tickets when they arrive at the theater -- but unless tickets are pre-sold the box office has no way of knowing ahead of time if anyone is going to show up, and they're worried. They said last night if it looks like no one is going to come that they might start cancelling shows. I can't tell you how sick that makes me. I'd hate for one of you to come one night, only to find the performance was cancelled.

So, my cast is doing all we can think of to get the word out -- Facebook, e-mail, text messaging, posters, cards, a huge banner near to the freeway. A couple of reporters came to a rehearsal and posted articles about our play here and here (including photos of me -- woot!!). The box office has even given us free tickets for the first couple of performances. We're especially counting on the people who come that first week to spread the word that it's worth the price of a ticket. Speaking of the price, I have $2 off coupons if you're interested!

Do I sound a little desperate? I'm sorry -- I can't help it! This is honestly one of the best productions I've ever been involved in, and I am terrified that no one is going to see it. It's the first in the new black box theater at the Davis Center for the Performing Arts, and even people who've been in shows on the main stage don't know that the black box exists. Consequently, we're practically a start-up. There's always a risk to trying something new. I am infinitely grateful to all of you who have already promised that you will come!

And now I'm begging: PLEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEASE come, and bring a friend or two or six! And if you love it, tell everyone you know (and if you don't, don't say anything to anyone...). Contact the box office here to reserve your tickets now. I am in the Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday cast, and will also perform Friday, April 13.

Hooray! Our friends and fans are the BEST!

Please forgive my shameless begging. I sure do love this play. I'm aware that not every show I do is gold, but this one is. I am so proud of our cast and crew, and would be honored if you spent a little of your time and money with me this month!