Confessions of a Stage Managing Madman

Strega Nona opened this weekend to a great first audience. I knew it would get there and I knew we were starting with a great cast and fun script. The first read through/rehearsal opened my eyes to the potential that I saw this past weekend. What a great experience its been, though stressful. Having never stage managed before and also taking on the opportunity to produce Fun Company shows was a task I did not think would be as daunting as it turned out to be...

I have a better respect for stage managers now after this experience, as well as producers. You have to make sure all design aspects are taken care of for a show, which includes sound/set/costume, as well as gathering/creating any props needed for the show. The set had already been built from a previous production the MET had done a few years ago and just needed some touching up from normal wear and tear. Getting sound, props and costumes together was another issue...thanks to the help of Joann Lee, Julie Herber (the director as well), Carey Rausch, Sarah Shulman, Lorrie Tripp and Milee McDonald, we were able to employ that ensemble spirit and come together at the last minute, without stressing the actors out, which was my main concern. I like the actors to worry about their lines and what they have to do in the show, not about technical things.

With all of that taken care of, you would think I would have had it easy, but I still had to operate a light board and sound Q manager for the first time. Usually there are two tech people to operate, but stubborn ol' me wanted to run both on his own and after a bottle of water and bag of raisinets, the fuel of champions, I must admit I did OK. Some kinks to be worked out, but the adventures of Big Anthony, Strega Nona, Bambolona and Papa Bambo were enjoyed by the kids. They yelled suggestions, laughed and enthusiastically greeted all the characters after the show which to me, meant a job well done. Considering I did not have to be medi vac'd anywhere once the lights went up, I'll consider this a 'check' in the win column.

So if you get a chance, come out with your kids or your kids at heart and enjoy Strega Nona the next few weekends at the MET. How can you say 'no' to these faces?

Matt Baughman as Big Anthony, Karen Paone as Strega Nona,

Amy Easton as Bambolona and James McGarvey as Papa Bambo

- Brian Irons