What a great opening week! The audiences have been responsive, appreciative, and, I truly think, charmed. We had a small issue with mic levels opening night (yup, you get full disclosure here at AVFTB!)–but that kind of thing happens since we don’t have previews. It wasn’t a huge deal; it just turned out that the bodies in the house ate up more sound than we had anticipated and some of the sound effects were quiet. We altered the levels and added a speaker here and there; and since the 2nd show, we’ve been golden!
Audiences have loved the immersiveness (word?) of the show. When they walk in the door, they’re in a 1940s radio studio. Before the show, the actors walk around–checking props, getting coffee, perusing scripts, and even chatting up the “live studio audience.” And when those “On Air” signs light up, the fun really begins. The actors zoom around–seamlessly flowing from character to character while making the myriad of sound effects required–and I see grins as I look around the audience. A large part of the fun (in addition to a great story and talented actors) is that we get a glimpse behind the scenes–we get to see actors deciding who will take a certain role (because of a fun complication that happens at the top of the show), we get to see them silently communicating (cursing? begging?) with each other, and we, the audience, have a part in the show because we quickly buy into the bit about being broadcast coast to coast. Add to that a tight hour and a half run time, and it’s been a joy so far.
We run Wednesdays through Saturdays (with 2 shows on Saturdays) until Dec. 22. If you’re in the area, I encourage you to come by. Oh, and for some other folks’ feelings about the show (read: reviews), look here and here and here and, oh yes, here.
A View from the Booth 