We're doing theatre differently at J.L. Mann. And I'm starting to feel the growing pains.

It will take three or four years to get the program working like it should, but in the meantime, there are days when it's not too much fun to be working on this play.

In recent days, we've lost a lead actor and our number one crew person...which happens when very high standards are implemented with little room for compromise.

It's sad when certain people don't work out for a production. We still like these people, we still want them to find success...yet our production demmands more: greater commitment than plays at Mann have required before.

If you are a member of our cast and/or crew, remember this. I know it's hard. I know I'm asking a lot. But trust me...it will be worth it!

The play has been blocked.

This means that we've determined where in the Auditorium everything will take place. Kind of like building a house...and it's been framed-in. Sticks. The most basic, three dimensional representation of what is to come. No costumes, no sets, props, lighting or sound. Just actors...mostly not bumping into the furniture.

When do we open? How many days?

Nevermind. I'm starting to feel nervous.

Less than two months to go, and we're very close to having the entire show blocked. One thing that strikes me is how our play takes place all over the auditorium. It's like this play, this production is just too large to fit on our stage. It's too big for the Auditorium.

There are scenes in the aisles, scenes on the stage...there's even a part where a character (Jim Hawkins) slithers under the feet of the audience on his way to the stage.

All over.

ATTENTION CAST AND CREW: I need to put a sword fight or two in the play. Where? I'm thinking that the battle on the island show involve swords in the aisles...also thinking that Jim might should fight Israel Hands with a sword. Where else?

Cast members who watched The Scene during rehearsal Thursday afternoon won't soon forget it.

"That was real acting," said Reid Cox.

I couldn't agree more.

Tory, Michael, Sebastian, Ross, and Jay created a terrific moment while blocking section F Thursday afternoon. It's the moment after Jim Hawkins has just shared with our good guys that the ship's crew are all pirate. It's a sobering moment--especially for Trelawney, Redruth, and Livesay...yet it is also a moment of courageous resolve. And Captain Smollet (Tory LeClair) brought the goods. The way she delivers the line, cuts her eyes to Jim...Livesay's hand on Jim's shoulder...Redruth's grave look...the scene is big time. A two minute scene in a two hour play, but huge nonetheless.

Brennan West said, "I almost cried."

"That," I pointed out, "is what this entire play is going to be like."

John Silver's black heart.

It's going to be a recurring visual metaphor for our play.

TREASURE ISLAND is a story about a young man who first tangibly encounters what I believe to be the reality of the human condition; specifically, that all men are fallen, broken...prone to great evil, though capable of much good.

Long John Silver's heart is very dark, indeed...yet he is capable of goodness. And this is why we like him. This may even explain our fascination with pirates.