10 November Edmund Fitzgerald Show Comes to A Close

The November 10 show told the story of the Edmund Fitzgerald’s tragic sinking—a beautiful and emotional narrative capturing what people thought, felt, and risked while out at sea. It even included a few sharp jabs at those who prioritized profits over lives (Profits are important but people are more important so think about that if you are in a leadership position.). You never really know when you’ve pushed the limits too far until disaster strikes. The performance carried moments of laughter, tears, and even pin-drop silence as the audience hung on every word. The three sailor wives sitting on stools were especially captivating.

My role was “The Man Who Walks Through,” and although I missed the early rehearsals due to travel, I managed to catch up by rehearsing on my own and memorizing my lines. I usually like to study intensively at the start and then focus on tone and pacing in the final practices. To me, I'm not sure if it is rocket science but like many things time in practicing seems to be the key ingredient. I included an interesting article below on preparing. If you know your lines well then you can focus on other aspects. I'm sure many different people have opinions.

I did receive a few complements and I like both positive and negative feedback that lets me guage what I did well and where I could improve (I'm a realist so I take it straight.). My part added a touch of humor amid the story’s heavier emotions, which made for an interesting contrast. I could hear laughter in the crowd and people said my part resonated with the crowd. Mostly I drowned it out because I was too worried about not making a mistake. Hearing afterward that the scene worked well from a few different people was very rewarding. Further, I had a small change in the front that included an introduction to the Cason J. Callaway at North Shore Marine (Very cool that they let some of the cast look at the ship. One of our local anchor industries that still has future growth opportunities). 

Thinking about how stories
teach us about economics,
commerce, life, society, culture
and community.
Some of our UP economy
is dependent on shipping, 
minerals, mining, etc.

Looking ahead, I plan to audition for a few upcoming shows, both in Escanaba and possibly in San Diego if the opportunity presents itself. At the moment, I’m preparing for another production—a dance performance on December 5th and 6th at the Kauffman Theater in Marquette. I do some dance on the side, which ties in nicely with my background in kickboxing, yoga, and fitness training. (By the way, if you ever need a trainer, I take on clients occasionally! Send a message to the right) My role in that upcoming show was recently expanded to include a few lifts, so ending one production now gives me the time to focus on practicing those. It’s a lot of work—but I’m looking forward to all the energy and movement of Russian dance.

While Players successfully completed this show they will have others. If you desire to donate to Players de Noc they have one of the best theaters in the region and increasingly having appeal among tourists and art patrons. Some of the shows are better then some I have seen in very large cities.

Donate Players De Noc

A few media pieces about the show. 

Players De Noc, 10 Nov.-TV6

Players 10 November

50 Years of the Edmund-UP Travel

Edmund Fitzgerald-The Daily Press

A little history, 

Edmund Fitzgerald Detroit Historical Society)

I thought this article was pretty good on how to prepare for shows.

The Art of Rehearsal Prep