"Promises, Promises" Comes Together After All

It was touch and go for a while if we would actually get to do this reading, but in the end it all came together, with an enthusiastic group of performers covering an range of roles. Some were familiar with the source material (Billy Wilder's film, "The Apartment") and others had knowledge of the show through the cast album, but only two of us had ever encountered it on stage. Our exploration of the piece last night led many of us to understand why the show isn't produced more often (and wonder why anyone thought it would be a good idea to revive on Broadway right now). The story is fun, with some classic Neil Simon (and Billy Wilder) dialogue, and some songs are great fun (although it's a very challenging score, and the lyrics rarely do much to advance the plot), but it's dated, and tough to identify with the the office-place sexual shenanigans, let alone the show's protagonist in the same way that audiences might with, say J. Pierrepont Finch from "How to Succeed...."

Nonetheless, we all had a fun evening, especially the many new participants who were joining us for the first time last night. Thanks to KJ McElrath for his expert accompaniment, and, once again, a very special thanks to everyone who stepped in (with very little notice in some cases) to cover roles.

PROMISES, PROMISES Reading on Monday

Our 4/26 reading of PROMISES, PROMISES is less than a week away. Here are a few details about our reading for those planning to attend:

SCRIPTS AND SCORES - Please plan to bring your own copies. If you need to know where to get your own copy, email us. (NOTE: There are a copule of missing pages from the scripts that have already been distributed. I will have hard copies of the missing pages for those involved in the corresponding scenes at the reading)

OPEN ROLES - There are still a few unclaimed key male roles (including a couple who sing). If you would like to claim one or know someone who can, please do so here.

PRE-READING REHEARSAL - While we do not have a formal rehearsal, anyone who wishes to come in advance of the 7pm reading start time to review a song or two should feel free to do so. KJ will be on hand starting at 6pm to help you through difficult sections or harmonies that you wish to review.

TIME, PLACE, and HOW TO GET IN - The reading will take place in the recital hall at Sherman Clay Pianos, located at NW 13th and Davis. We MUST USE THE SIDE DOOR ON DAVIS. The door is locked from the outside, so you need to be let in. Someone will be monitoring the door between 5:30pm and 7pm. If you arrive after 7pm, YOU NEED TO CALL OR TEXT ME AT 914-522-9363 TO BE LET INSIDE.

WHY WE ARE DOING THIS - The goal of Entr'acte is to educate and enrich our collective knowledge of this art form, but also to network with fellow practitioners. We have a wide range of knowledge and experience among our participants. Please come with an open mind and willingness to both learn and share.

Questions? Don't hesitate to ask.