Going into this production, we had no idea how much lighting design shapes a show: spots, fades, snaps, warm wash, cold wash… the emotional temperature of every single moment. It’s not just knowing where to point a light. It takes a real understanding of the physical instruments and the software to program it all, cue by cue. A huge thank … Read More
High Energy! Tikka Smiley is Contestant #2 in Talent Stadium
An exceptionally high-energy performance by Tikka Smiley as Contestant #2, in “Talent Stadium”. She is old-school and proud of it, and she will elbow her way to center stage to prove it. She knows that she is right, and is proud to let everyone know what they should do. In other words, she is a nag, flapping her wings as much … Read More
Brice Leunkeu on why being in the cast is special
Wondering what it’s really like to be part of the Who Is Esther cast? 🤔 We caught up with Brice Leunkeu outside on a beautiful sunny day to get his honest take on the experience and what makes being part of this production so special. Here’s what he had to say… Don’t just hear about it, see it live! Tickets: … Read More
Thanks For Your Service To Date (featuring Michelle Kettrick and Mitchell Lauer and Tommy Amoroso)
Vashti (Michelle Kettrick) decides that enough is enough and stands up to Mr. Verious (Mitch Lauer) and his unwanted advances. The “helpful” Ham (Tommy Amoroso) assists Mr. Verious in finding a replacement for Vashti’s role. This scene speaks to an issue that is incredibly important and still relevant today: #MeToo. Exceptionally competent women taken advantage of—or forced to play by … Read More
Ham’s Disgrace (feat. Tikka Smiley and Tommy Amoroso)
Tikka Smiley and Tommy Amoroso sing a clip from “Ham’s Disgrace” during our rehearsals. From the musical Who is Esther in the upcoming Kingston Fringe Festival performance – tickets info here: http://www.whoisesther.com/tickets
Mitch Lauer on the opportunity to play the role of Mr Verious
We pulled Mitch Lauer away from a rehearsal warm-up (listen in the background), and asked him what playing Mr. Verious means to him. A nice, and very personal answer. PS: He was already warmed up.
We Are Believers (feat. Zalyzza Govia, Brice Leunkeu and Michelle Kettrick)
We Are Believers is the show’s anthem song… and also a bit of an earworm – and it’s also an example of how the music can change in the rehearsal. The original arrangement of the song didn’t have a harmony at the end (Thank you Brice Leunkeu). The updated arrangement has the exceptional voice of Michelle Kettrick carrying the lead … Read More
Leah Becker on being part of the Who Is Esther Cast
We asked Leah Becker, who plays the Aide, a Schemer, and a member of the chorus, what she enjoys about being part of the production. Here’s what she said… Who Is Esther Tickets are now available: www.WhoIsEsther.net/tix.
The Perversity laugh track?
Perversity You know, in life laughter and fun are key to success… and the key to putting on a great musical. Our chorus (Michelle Kettrick, Tikka Smiley, Sedona Jones and Leah Becker) has a good laugh during the choreography in the song Perversity. From the musical Who is Esther in the upcoming Kingston Fringe Festival performance – tickets info here: … Read More
Finding Our people
Every production needs its people. We found ours. Twelve individuals: 8 cast members, 2 co-producers, a director, and a costumer, each arriving with their own story. Between them: rap, reggae, baroque, jazz, and hip hop. Sci-fi fans and classicists. Cyclists and bakers. Christian, Jewish, and everything in between. Parents, grandparents, children, aunts and uncles. Farm, forest, and city. On paper, … Read More