We opened Well on Wednesday night—to an audience of approximately 130. The average age was 58 I'd say. I see every person and that's what I gathered. They laughed and seemed engaged. When the play was over I heard the Artistic Director ask some patrons what they thought of the play and they scratched their heads, literally, and said, it was fine but confusing.
Our one preview audience was a group of about 80 kids from St. Michael's College, mostly theatre students. Their reactions were fantastic. They loved it.
This somewhat of a risk for a small regional theatre but I'm so grateful that they chose to do it instead of The Odd Couple or some sure-thing-crowd-pleasing-safe-I-don't-want-to-have-to-think fare. And I love that there are open minds to this crazy ride and other potential theatre forms.
With only 3 weeks to learn all that dialogue/monologue material, there are a few gaffs here and there and it's mind boggling how the, well... mind can recover and make up something that is almost the exact same syntax as the correct wording.
Still running lines everyday in the hotel and then run lines with "mom", Dale Soules, before the show. One day, I shall see a leaf turn. Can't wait.
