Tape opens and gets reviewed!

We opened last night with a great show. Nearly 60 in attendance which is good for a Thursday in the summer. And a responsive crowd as well. Lots of students and Carl Hoover, of the Waco-Tribune whose review appears here. He talks more about his feelings about the play (which are mixed) than his feelings about the performance of it (which are positive). It's hard not to pin too much on reviews; especially the first real one I've ever received. So I'm glad it's mostly good.

Ultimately though, I know the show is very strong. My actors are amazing, and they play each moment exquisitely. I've worked hard on being "precise" in my direction this time around. Something I've been criticized for previously. And I think it's paid off. Especially in these last five days of rehearsal.

Here are some of the nice things people said:
"Your best work"
"It's as good as a movie"
"I felt the tension"
"I've read the play before, and I didn't like it. But you guys made me appreciate the play."
"I liked Vince's character and Jon's wardrobe, oh.. and Vince's cologne... mmm"

If you've seen the show and want to talk about it, this seems like as good a place as any. Leave your thoughts, comments and questions in a comment, or email them to me directly and we'll talk about the show here.

Join me in the protest!

Dear Friend,

It saddens me to report that a fine Christian institution of higher learning has succumbed to the perils of smut.

Baylor University's Theatre (suspiciously abbreviated BUT) is mounting a production of a play that explores so-called "mature themes" with so-called "adult language". These are of course, merely euphemistic justifications for the arts further embracing of the world's fascination with potty talk and otherwise questionable material. The play is called Tape and it's about two young men who are clearly NOT Christians talking about things that would never be mentioned in a song by MercyMe!

Please join me in protesting this play! I am encouraging us to be well informed in our protests which means I recommend seeing the production multiple times.

The play runs June 26, 27, 28 at 7:30 PM in Theatre 11 of Baylor's Hooper-Schaefer Fine Arts Center. Tickets are $10.

You may call and order tickets over the phone or stop by the box office during their business hours. (254) 710-1865

For further information about this theatrical abomination go to http://www.baylor.edu/theatre/index.php?id=54859.

Spread the word!

Dan Buck
Moral Guardian

Remember, if God intended the arts to be interesting, he wouldn't have created Thomas Kincaid.

Waco newspaper article about Summer Shows

Check it out.

Tape - update

We open one week from tomorrow. I think we're right on track. My actors are so good, that we keep circling back over the text going deeper and deeper. Finding new thins to keep it fresh, new moments to convey character, and ways to turn the intensity up to eleven! It's great!

---

I interviewed with Carl Hoover (his blog)- a kindly and clearly sharp man, who I suspect would make a good friend. He writes for the Waco Tribune-Herald and he is doing a preview article about the two summer shows. I'll post a link to the article when it appears tomorrow.

Here's a pic...

Tape - rehearsals

Well the rehearsal process is in full swing. The actors are 90% off book. They are making many magic moments and I'm waking up at 3:30 AM each morning making mental lists of things I need to do.

Recent victories:

1. Recoded a radio interview at Clear Channel that will air at ungodly hours for the next three Sundays.
2. Scored HUGE at the Residence Inn (Marriot) with bed spreads, curtains, a coffee maker, and a host of other hotel stuff that they let us borrow for free in exchange for some advertising space in our program.
3. Used the formidable building skills of my cast to build two bed frames that will save me from buying them, and from buying box springs as well.
4. Wrote a press release that will go to the Waco-Trib for further coverage.

All in all a good couple days. Tomorrow I hope to buys some odds and ends and then find a full size mattress, a credenza, a couple tables, a vanity and a hanging lamp that will work for the room. I also plan to by 600 sq ft of carpet.

I'm busy doing what I love. It's not a bad place to be.

Tape is coming! - My first full-length at Baylor

I have begun rehearsals for my full-length show Tape, which will go up in one month.

Horton Foote is reported as having once said "Rehearsal is what heaven will be like." I know what he means. There's something, holy and rich about a group of like-minded people putting their hands, talents, and abilities to a common beloved endeavor. A good rehearsal process is filled with discovery, self-exploration, hard work, and laughter. So far (two rehearsals in) I'm already seeing that. I have three very talented actors who are commited to the play and for some reason seem to trust me. I've already seen my vision of the play expanding because of their input. Horton may be right.

Click on the Image to see larger. Click on the icon in my sidebar to get more info on both shows.
I would love for you all to see it. I know distance is an issue for some of you, but if you're around, you gotta come!