Duck, Duck, New Duck!!

(For a show about cows, there has certainly been a lot of Duck talk in this blog).

Ladies and Gentlemen, introducing our newest cast member, and Duck. Meet Kristen:



After just over a week of five-person shows (which we were performing very well by the end), Kristen swooped in to join us on April 19, while we were performing in Coral Springs, FL. We had just finished the first third of our second show when a strange figure appeared, laden with bags and suitcases, at the stage door. Turned out, Kristen had been flown into Fort Lauderdale and taken a taxi all the way to join us, as nobody from the show could really leave in the middle of a performance. He watched from the winds (script in hand), and we all made friends afterward. A big "new family" lunch ensued at a Panera nearby, and then it was off to our La Quinta for rehearsal.

Now, here's the thing: Kristen is good. Like, really good. So good that he walked into the rehearsal with new choices, strong convictions and a seriously-funny new Duck already formed. On top of that, he had his lines completely memorized, and blocking (and choreography) perfected. It was totally incredible. Our rehearsal (all one and a half hours of it) might as well have been a performance. And good thing, too. Because Kristen was going in on Wednesday.

After a travel day and a quickie rehearsal the night before, Kristen's debut performance arrived. We loaded in at our venue (a school with a disgustingly-beautiful theater space), warmed up, ran through some of Kristen's big numbers, and then started. And it was great! Kristen's Duck brings a level of sass and class to the role that is new and exciting. And his lisping chicken is still making me giggle. (He also plays well onstage, so there are some added moments in that scene which are just a ton of fun.) Alaina had mentioned afterward to our venue manager that we had added a new cast member to the show today. His response: "Which one?" Really, it was that seamless.

Now comes the part that I'm very interested in. Casts are interesting social beings, very much alive and always changing in little ways. With a brand new personality, the dynamics are starting to shift. Thankfully (and we have been so lucky!), Kristen is a wonderful, charming, funny and smart guy, and is fitting into our mellow groove very nicely. However, the amateur sociologist in me will be intrigued to see how our group changes as we get to know him better. I have every confidence that it will be for good. Mostly, though, I am glad that, as Grace has said numerous times, "our little family is complete again." It really feels that way.

Call tomorrow: 7:30am, La Quinta in Miami. We're returning to the Beth Am Day School, where I had my car accident on Max and Ruby I. And I'm slated to drive. REDEMPTION IS MINE!!

Kid Quote of the Day: Shortly after Loretta hid inside her pizza box to eat her pizza, a little boy angrily shouted at the stage... well, I'll let Aaron explain:



Colleen Tractor Quote of the Day: "Ethan Marc Angelica!! We have a guest today, and I expect you to make a good impression by putting your tractor away!"