This is Kirtland! 2010

"This is Kirtland!" has opened for the 2010 season.  We opened last night and had our second performance tonight.  There is one more performance tomorrow night followed by 4 more next week and three the following. So far things have gone pretty well.  There are still a few things that need to be worked on and tweaked, but for the most part it really can't get much better than it already is.

I am again playing Sidney Rigdon, marking the first time I've ever reprised a role in the five years I've been part of the show.  I've been part of this show in some form since it started back in 2004 and have been part of the cast since 2005 every year except 2008 when I was in graduate school (hard to believe it's been 2 years already since grad school!!).  Every year prior I've been a different part: 2005 I was more or less a flexible role having lines as John Johnson but being credited on the cast picture board as Titus Billings.  In 2006 I played Professor Seixas and was a general member of the mens chorus; I also didn't dance that year.  I played N.K. Whitney in 2007.  I came back last year and got the role of Sidney Rigdon and also got put not only in the men's dance numbers but also the couples' dance.  This year, already being familiar with the Sidney Rigdon part, rehearsals were pretty easy as I didn't have to spend much time learning lines or music.  Basically all I had to do this year was learn some slightly new blocking and new dance moves for two of the dances I do in the big feast scene.

Once the run is over July 17, I'll probably blog a little more about my overall experience.  For the most part I've enjoyed it again, mostly because of the people I work with; they're tons of fun to be around.  We've definitely had some challenges this year with the changes that were made and with all the new people.  I'll admit I was pretty bummed when I saw how many people from last year weren't coming back.  Last year was so special for me for so many reasons; if I could replicate it I would, though I wouldn't trade this year's cast away either.  For anyone interested, more information can be found at www.thisiskirtland.com.  Doors open at 6:30 PM every night and the show starts at 7:30.  We have comment cards in every program, so if you do come, please fill out the cards even if you just do so anonymously.  I'm anxious to read some of these comments as the show progresses.  Hopefully we'll have some bigger crowds too.  Opening night was half full or less and tonight wasn't a whole lot bigger.

This article was in the Record-Courier today.  There was also an online version which used the full picture I sent and didn't crop it.  My dad took the picture during last year's run and I liked it.  Since I'm the same character and have pretty much the exact same costume this year I figured I might as well use it.  No one in the background, though, is in the show this year ironically enough!