Tartuffe II: Just when you thought it was safe. . .
November 30, 2007: Our opening weekend performances went well, and we’ve got another brush-up rehearsal tonight for the 2nd weekend cast. Normally, double-casting would alternate the casts on each weekend, but due to pre-existing travel plans by cast members, we’ve done it a bit differently this time.
“In any case” (a Tartuffe line), we’re looking forward to another weekend, which will by definition have a different dynamic than the first weekend’s cast. It has been enjoyable to watch the two casts, since in both cases (two roles are double-cast, Dorine and Mariane) the performers deliver considerably different portrayals, each of which works entirely on its own terms. This has the added benefit of changing the show for the rest of the cast, since even within the guidelines of everyone doing essentially the same stage movement, etc., reactions to things are bound to be different when one is reacting to a different actor in a scene.
All of this is to say that I’m personally looking forward to having another two chances to explore new things in my character, and I’m sure I speak for the rest of the cast.