John Doyle is currently rehearsing "A Catered Affair" which begins previews next week. Meanwhile, his new production of "Peter Grimes" opens at the Metropolitan Opera House tonight.
Does anyone know how he worked out this seemingly impossible work schedule? I'm just curious.
Per Harvey Fierstein's blog entry today, rehearsals for Catered Affair begin next week. First preview is March 25th.
Thank, My mistake - I thought previews began next week. It still must be a hell of a schedule. He must be doing some work on "A Catered Affair" even before rehearsals start up again.
On a side note - I hope the opening goes well tonight - Peter Grimes is one of my favorite opera.
I know a lot of directors that do two things and even 3 things at once...it's called flying back and forth and traveling a lot..that is their life for the time being..I had a friend who once was directing, producing and about to star in a show so close to each other, it was insane...
He's magical.
Joined: 12/31/69
Wait, doesn't he have a production of "Merrily We Roll Along" running in the UK too?
Yeah, but it's up and running. It opened several weeks ago, so it's not necessary for him to be there constantly overseeing it.
John sounds like a busy guy!
Yeah, big deal. Hal Prince could open FOUR shows at once, with one Ruth Mitchell tied behind his back. He's like the Chuck Norris of Broadway.
The opera world runs quite differently than Broadway. Most of the "teching" of Peter Grimes was probably done months ago. Due to the repertory nature of the company, stage rehearsal time is limited as is regular rehearsal time. Due to the vocal challenges of opera, there are many more days off in the opera world. All total, he probably put in 3 weeks of rehearsal time for "Peter Grimes". From friends inside the MET, word on the production is not good, which does not mean of course that it will not be received well. What goes on onstage/backstage is not necessarily indicative of how it is perceived from the audience.
Personally, I have yet to be wowed by Mr. Doyle. I found his Sweeney passable, his Company marginally better. His Mahagonny was a big yawner. His saving grace in my eyes is that he attracts first rate performers who make him look better than he is. That being said, I'm very much looking forward to "A Catered Affair".
Videos