The final rehearsal for Showstoppers! was last night at the theater. It was the last chance for music director Charlie Grindle to work with his pit before the opening tomorrow night and for lighting designer Sue Finch to find the areas that need more or less light. The masking curtains were hung by Linwood Dyer and the main curtain made ready for use; props were gathered and put on prop tables, benches and stools placed at the ready back stage. The podium and chair for Master of Ceremonies Barbara Winckler were arranged on the thrust. Most of the acts were there to run their numbers; with watchers giggling during the funny songs, whooping and cheering for others. The performers didn’t put on their glittery evening attire, preferring to save their costumes for opening night. From the first number to Applause at the end, the performers are ready to show their stuff this weekend.

--posted by Margaret Barrasso

Co-director Barbara Winckler is Master of Ceremonies

Co-directors Newt Curtis and Ellen LeFevre perform in one of the numbers

Co-Director Charlie plays from the pit’s rehearsal location in the auditorium. During the show they will play on stage.

Eileen Candelmo and Glenn Anderson

Fran Page

Kathy Routh surrounded by umbrellas, Doug Miller and Matt Ryder

Cast and the final number

Last night was another busy night at Lyric. Not only was the monthly board meeting in session, but also the cast of “Ragtime” was rehearsing in the lobby and the auditorium. Some people were getting costumes or rehearsing music with the music director and still other folks were preparing for fundraiser Showstoppers! running this weekend. Monday night was quieter in one sense – there was only one activity, that of rehearsing another “Ragtime” number, Getting’ Ready Rag – but it’s such a fun number the theater certainly was not quiet! Last night some of the cast was learning the choreography of Henry Ford after being assigned hats and previously trying on overalls for the number. Below is a photo of music director Sylvia Infantine working with Juliana Partridge who is playing the role of Sarah’s Friend and is understudy for Sarah; photos of the dance rehearsal and Costume Designer Louise Keezer distributing hats are also included.

Sylvia and Juliana work on music

Dance Captain Kristi McHugh works with the cast in the lobby for the music number Henry Ford

Marching in for the start of the number

Louise Keezer is between the Koloski’s (Dan and Stacey) handing out hats

Tonight was the strike for “Best Little Whorehouse in Texas.” The cast and crew worked hard to have it competed quickly so they could enjoy the cast party in the lobby. It started with getting the pit off the stage and moved on to taking the set apart. In between props and set pieces were run upstairs, costumes were sorted and hung and the makeup and green rooms were picked up and cleaned. When all the wood has been put away, all the screws swept from the stage, all the suitcases stored back up in the belfry, the cast heads into the lobby for the cast party. It’s bittersweet time – full of good memories of the show, but it’s the last time this group of people that have worked together for months, will all be together. Some will be in the next show or the one after, others may take time off – sometimes years – yet all will look back on their time in Texas and have fond memories. “What we’ve shared won’t be forgotten.”

--Posted by Margaret Barrasso

Cast member taking one of the fans apart

Taking the flowers off the trellis

Putting away suitcases

Taking apart the Aggie lockers

Walls off the Sheriff's Office

Last remants of porch

Workers gather in lobby before cast party

Food for the cast party arrives