Guest Blogger: Miguel Ochoa of GUYS AND DOLLS - It's Getting Close to Opening Night

This week is crunch time. Given the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday, we're working hard to have the show ready for tech week which begins on Sunday. I have to admit, however, one of the most fun experiences so far happened last Monday. The leads were called in for a photo shoot in the early afternoon. We all showed up and the first order of business was hair. Now, I've been asked to have my hair styled a certain way for a show, but never have I been in a show where a hairstylist showed up to CUT my hair on the spot. Misha, owner of The Chop Shop, walked in to the dressing room with scissors in hand. He started with Chris Berry's (Sky Masterson) hair first. Once he finished, Chris looked quite debonair, if I must say so myself. Then it was my turn. I'll admit, I was very nervous. I've been going to my current hairstylist for about 13 years now and no one else has ever touched my hair, but Misha did an exceptional job. We then got into costume and on we went.
We arrived at our shoot location, a little spot near downtown San Antonio which has an older style setting, and met up with Siggi Ragnar, our photographer, and Asia Ciaravino, The Playhouse President and CEO, to begin the shoot. What a great time!! The idea behind the shoot was not to recreate scenes from the show, but to be our characters interacting with one another. It was as if Nathan, Adelaide, Sky, and Sarah had planned a double date and were about to start off their night with a cocktail at a local speakeasy. Siggi and Asia gave the best direction while allowing us freedom to allow our characters to come to life. The afternoon was absolutely perfect for the shoot and the passersby got quite a show as we strolled down the middle of the brick street, arms interlocked in costume. Of course we couldn't get away without doing at least one jumping picture and one of Caroline checking out her tummy. Haha!
All in all, a great experience was had by everyone. Last night we had the much anticipated sitz probe and dress parade. It's always funny to hear what first time actors believe a dress parade is, and just as funny to hear what you can make them believe it is. But, as most of you know, it's not when the entire cast puts on dresses and dances around the theater to relieve stress. Our costumers have been bringing in all kinds of suits, shirts, dresses, and other goodies for everyone to try on. Last night we all made our way to the stage in whatever costume pieces we had for Michelle to approve. Some were in full suits, others in just a coat, and still others (i.e., me) in just a fedora hat. But this is how the dress parade works, right? Costume pieces are being brought in for the next couple days until the cast, as a whole, looks perfect.
Last night was also sitz probe! As an instrumentalist and music teacher, I have to admit sitz probe is one of my favorite parts of preparing for a show. I love when all the instrumentalists come together with the actors to combine everything they have worked on individually with one another. And what a great experience it was. The band for this show is just excellent. Under the direction of Josh Pepper, I'm positive the show will musically flow from beginning to end, with all musicians involved, seamlessly. Definitely a fun, yet intense, rehearsal (the Crapshooter's Dance is no joke!!). Now two more days before Thanksgiving and then the much anticipated tech week! Here's wishing everyone a blessed and happy Thanksgiving from the cast of Guys and Dolls!

PHOTO CREDIT: Siggi Ragnar