Stop/Time Dance Theater

Welcome Back!

2011-03-26T18:53:00.000-07:00

Well, it's been a long time since I (or anyone!) last posted. We are busy getting ready for next month's show entitled "SWING Set". As usual there will be lots of dance and some "swingy" music - be sure to get your tickets - show dates are April 27 - May 1st. www.playhousetheatregroup.org

Final Dress Rehearsal

2008-05-15T20:43:00.000-07:00

Tonight was final dress rehearsal and it was LOADS (or is it package?) better than last night. We're still getting a feel for the space, costume changes, etc. Tomorrow will be exciting and nerve wracking all at the same time. Having an audience will be very intersting - hope it doesn't throw anyone!

Yep, he's gone

2008-05-08T16:27:00.001-07:00

okay, Idol Watchers: Jason and his dreds are gone. Now it's down to Syesha and the Davids. I don't think she has a chance.

10 Days To Opening Night

2008-05-06T20:05:00.001-07:00

Okay, it was scary to realize that. We have so few rehearsals left and lots has to gel, as they say. I'm sure it will, but it doesn't make it any less nerve wracking. The program is being completed, costumes still being assembled, and dances still learned (!)and polished. And oh yeah, there is dialog to memorize. And lest we forget, we'll want an audience, so get your tickets ASAP!

American Idol fans: Please tell me it's the end of the road for Jason. Syesha was great tonight!

Ready, Set, Panic!

2008-05-05T19:17:00.001-07:00

Okay, I scheduled my panic attack for this morning at 9:00, but I think I decided it came early when I found myself editing the program last night at midnight. Having an extra rehearsal this Friday is certainly going to help and, all in all, I do think we're on track for opening night on May 16th. I'm just having an incredible deja vu as I think I have this same panic every year at about this time. Good, glad it's normal!

Back in Action

2008-03-29T08:31:00.000-07:00

Well, since we didn't rehearse last week due to Easter, we've got to get back on it this weekend and learn/remember everything we've done so far.

Idol thoughts: Chikezie, you left before your time. Kristy Lee and Ramiele, you dodged bullets this week.

Dancing With The Stars? Anyone?

2008-03-25T19:12:00.000-07:00

Okay, they finally ejected Penn and the other eliminated contestant tonight was Monica Seles, who I liked, but who, by her own admission, had two left feet. Very cool aerial acrobat dancers toinght. My money is on Kristi Yamaguchi - clearly the most talented dancer in the pack.

Important Memo:

2008-03-23T09:03:00.000-07:00

CEO Bernie Kaufman of Kaufman Anders Zoller Olsen Oppenheimer has called an important meeting of all stoptime theater goers. Attendance is mandatory at the premier performance of Take This Job and... Dance It! May 16, 17 and 18.
Office procedures require that you call your friends and family and prepare for a fun time. Music and dance are on the agenda so order your tickets now. Failure to attend this show could result in a possible demotion or job elimination altogether.
Show your company loyalty and be there. You won't want to miss the water cooler gossip!

No rehearsal today, so Happy Easter

2008-03-23T06:56:00.000-07:00

We usually rehearse on Sunday morning, but today we'll enjoy Easter morning at home (and listen to our music from the show, right?!) Well, some of us will be at church with all the little toddlers dressed in their Easter finery - little girls with hats, purses and gloves, boys in their navy blazers and clip-on ties. And of course, babies who will fuss and cry throughout. But they're so darn cute!

Happy Easter!

We're back!!

2008-03-21T18:23:00.000-07:00

Okay, it's time to start your blogging engines. The show is currently under development (that's the technical way of saying 'it ain't done yet!') This year's theme is the office (fans of the NBC show, take heart -new episodes are coming in April!)

Time to get your tickets - see our website: www.stoptimedance.org for info.

Merry Christmas!

2007-12-22T05:23:00.000-08:00

We welcome our new little stop/timer, born this month! Congratulations Beckie and Derek!

We are on holiday break right now from rehearsing, 'TAKE THIS JOB AND...DANCE IT!' our new production, scheduled for May, 2008. Peek into life at the office in this all-new original production. Check back for more details in the upcoming months!

It begins!

2007-10-28T14:20:00.000-07:00

We had our first rehearsal today for the next original stop/time dance production, to debut in Spring of 2008. Sure, it seems like a long time from now, but time has a way of moving faster than you want it to sometimes.

The show will have an office theme; being a big fan of the tv show The Office, I am already anticipating how funny it could be - take a memo; I'm in a meeting; he's on a conference call - did you hear about the reorg?

OPENING NIGHT!

2007-05-10T04:26:00.000-07:00

Another opening, another show! Here we go - tonight's opening night for L.O.V.E. Radio. All the hard work, hours, planning, stretching and creating unveils itself for our audience. Hope to see you there! Showtime is 7:30pm.

Ready for an audience!

2007-05-08T20:46:00.000-07:00

Studio 7 has been transformed. The chairs are up, the lights are hung and the costumes are pressed. We're ready for an audience!

Tonight' s rehearsal went very well and though we officially open Thursday, we've got an audience tomorrow night, which we're all looking forward to. Bring it on!

It's almost love time!

2007-05-07T09:57:00.000-07:00

After our day-long tech yesterday, we're ready to move into final dress rehearsals. It's all coming together nicely and lots of things will become solidified each time we run. We've turned a big empty room in to a theater due to vision and hard work.

Also, congratulations to CJ, who graduated from UConn yesterday!

Welcome new castmates!

2007-04-24T04:20:00.000-07:00

We have some new members of the stop/time family joining us for this production - it's becoming quite a family affair actually. A second mother/father/daughter trio has joined us and some more young members. Come to the show and meet the family!

The sun is out...finally!

2007-04-19T12:52:00.000-07:00

After what seems like the longest stretch of bad, depressing weather the sun is out!!
This always gives me renewed energy and believe me it has come just in time. So much to do. This is an exciting time for me. I start to see the show that I have created take on a life of its own. It now becomes the property of the dancers and actors and with that comes their task of putting in that 100% that is needed to make this a success. I am fortunate to have a company that is dedicated and hard-working and knowing that- I am confident that this show will give our audience what they have come to expect from stop/time. Music, dancing and and as always,a surprise here and there. We are working in a new venue this year which we have taken from bare-bones and are diligently turning it into an intimate performance space. I hope our faithful followers are looking forward to our presentation of LOVE RADIO!!
Get your tickets SOON and may the sun continue to shine.

Thoroughly Marvelous Millie

2007-04-14T21:30:00.000-07:00

Saw Manchester Musical Players' "Thoroughly Modern Millie" tonight, choreographed by our own Darlene Zoller. It was a wonderful production - bravo to all involved!

4 Weeks

2007-04-12T16:35:00.000-07:00

Have I mentioned it's only four weeks til we open? Just a few things to do yet!

It's official

2007-04-10T13:53:00.000-07:00

Larry Birkhead is the father. Story.

Holiday over; back to work

2007-04-09T18:17:00.000-07:00

Now that Easter's behind us and we've all overdosed on chocolate (okay, I'll just speak for myself), it's time to get back to work and put the show together. Let's get to it!

5 weeks!

2007-04-05T18:25:00.000-07:00

We're 5 weeks out from Opening Night. It's Easter weekend and we're not rehearsing Sunday, so we've got to step it up from here on in: costumes, props, names (okay, I've actually come up with character name finally). There are press releases to write, programs to format, bios to collect, costumes to gather. Yikes, 5 weeks suddenly doesn't seem very long at all. And...there is the little matter of the script!

2007-04-04T16:30:00.000-07:00

Our poster is just about ready for prime time. We rehearsed some numbers last night after some of us had taken classes with Darlene, who is not only working on this show but also is choreographing a production of "Thoroughly Modern Mille", which runs this month. Could this woman work any harder? She is almost single-handedly producing "L.O.V.E. Radio" in her 'free' time!

Can you melt my melt?

2007-04-03T05:30:00.000-07:00

Random musing: shouldn't a melt be, well....melted? And why does Cosi always run out of food by Monday? Anyway, planning continues for the show. The pieces are beginning to come together. A new finale number has been added and our characters are starting to come to life. But, more pressing: Will Sanjaya survive another week of Idol? And will we?

Let's go SOX!

2007-04-02T06:04:00.000-07:00

Today is opening day for the Red Sox. They're playing the Royals. Let the season begin!

No Foolin' - we're putting together a show!

2007-04-02T06:01:00.000-07:00

It's April, much to our surprise! We're working on our newest production: L.O.V.E. Radio. Almost all of the numbers have been choreographed and we're starting to polish them up. Still tons of details to take care of, as is expected. Time to start blogging again also. Here we go...

Thank you cast and crew!

2006-05-28T19:45:00.000-07:00

Thank you everyone for a fantastic trip across the US. We are back home now and looking forward to getting our vacation pictures developed. It was wonderful meeting you all -- you are all uniquely talented and..... delightful! Where are we going next year? Glad you were here!

Love,
Steve, Peggy, Emily and Peter

Join Us - seats are available!

2006-05-26T21:03:00.000-07:00

Tonight we opened "Wish You Were Here" to a very appreciative audience. Come see for yourself - wonderful entertainment for the entire family. Showtimes are Saturday at 8pm and Sunday at 2pm.

We're here, we're here, we're heeeeeeere!

2006-05-21T19:59:00.000-07:00

For the confused, that's a line from one of the numbers in 'Wish You Were Here'; "State Fair" to be exact. It also describes the fact that we're in the theater. Now's the time we can pull all the elements together. Tonight, we ran 3/4 of the show on the stage, and organized the set moves. Lots of technical aspects need to be smoothed out, but it will just continue to get better and be smashing on opening night: 5 days away!

1 Week and counting..

2006-05-19T15:18:00.000-07:00

This is it, we're coming down the home stretch. We "move in" to Saint Joseph College on Sunday and then we will work to put all the puzzle pieces together. Everyone has a job to do and has been working on those jobs independently. For the first time we will see if those pieces fit. Every time I do a show I'm amazed at how much goes into it and how many people are involved. Everyone should do theater at least once to really experience what goes on behind the scenes.
After all our work it is now up to our stop/time fans to come and show their support.
See you at the show!!!

Beep Beep!

2006-05-11T21:40:00.000-07:00

Word is, we have a car! Can't wait to see it!

Props, Costumes and--oh yeah...a car!

2006-05-10T20:11:00.000-07:00

Just a few of the things happening now. Why is it no matter how long you work on a show there are always a million and one things to do in the last few weeks.
That is if I don't want naked dancers onstage. Hey now there's and idea. I bet ticket sales would skyrocket.
I know it will all get done with a LOT of help from my friends. It's amazing how much people will do for you if you just ask and I've been asking a lot! Now if I could just find someone to SLEEP for me. That's the one thing I'm lacking!
I'm sure I'll get plenty of rest after the show is over but until then..props, costumes, and how's that car coming along???

Putting It Together

2006-05-07T17:46:00.000-07:00

Rehearsal today saw several costumes being tried, technical details being discussed, and the last number to get choreography, finished! It's beginning to look like a show. There are lots of props that need to be gathered (and where did all those baseballs go?) but each time we meet from now on, more and more will appear. The all-important car is being designed - the Thompson family needs wheels! If you're reading this and you don't have a ticket yet, what are you waiting for?! :-) http://stoptimedance.com/tickets.htm

Rehearsal

2006-05-04T21:24:00.000-07:00

We had rehearsal tonight. We practiced our big tap number, and it really sounds and looks fantastic! Our "Remember When" audience asked for a big tap number this year, and they are going to be thrilled with what they see!

Everyone keeps bringing in new costume pieces, and it's getting exciting to see it all pulling together. Every costume piece means one more piece to the puzzle has been found. Our puzzle is going to be a beautiful sight when it is completed!

Ticket sales are starting to heat up. We are excited for our family and friends to see the show, and especially excited for our new audience members to check us out!

May? It CAN'T be May!!!

2006-05-03T20:52:00.000-07:00

How does that happen? You tear off a page of your calendar and there it is...a new month. And not just ANY month but the month you've been working toward for--months!!
The show is just weeks away which sounds really scary to me. I no longer sleep through the night and my mind is a perpetual whirlwind of questions, not unlike the opening number of Wish You Were Here. (You'll have to come to the show to see what I mean.) If you're reading this and you don't have your ticket yet-WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? I guarantee a good time will be had by all. The show is suitable for all ages and genders and we promise to have something for everyone. Bring your friends. Bring your family. The show is WISH YOU WERE HERE and we HOPE YOU'LL BE THERE!

Is it really May?

2006-05-03T19:21:00.000-07:00

That means the show is THIS month. Lots of work to do. We've got our stage manager back now so full steam ahead! Every rehearsal from now on is critical. The cast is just starting to get an idea of the flow of the story and how it all fits together. One of our cast members returns after a semester abroad - welcome back CJ!

Hoofin' at the Holiday Inn

2006-04-30T05:28:00.000-07:00

stop/time performed at a ballroom event last night in North Haven, sponsored by the Great Traditional Jazz Festival. The theme was "an evening with Fred Astaire" and the dress was black and white. There were some very elegant couples spotted on the floor. We performed as part of the floor show. We did our big tap number from the show (I think I'm still feeling the effects) preceeded by an Astaire number called "Afterbeat" that Darlene pulled together in record time. The crowd seemed to really enjoy it and we distributed info about our group and WISH YOU WERE HERE. Good times.

Dancer's Point of View

2006-04-27T16:22:00.000-07:00

Last weekend was very exciting! We got to see the acting/dancing come together. This show is going to be very entertaining! The dancers have a bit more choreography to learn, and some choreography to teach to our newest members. We picked up one more rehearsal a week in order to make sure we are all comfortable with the dance numbers. This show is sure to be a sell-out!

Begin the countdown!

2006-04-27T14:25:00.000-07:00

We're just about a month away from opening night and there's lots of work to be done! We have a script and now have to start memorizing lines. We've gained a few more dancers - welcome! - and with each rehearsal more and more begins to take shape.

Feelin' the beat.

2006-03-05T19:35:00.000-08:00

Who would have ever thought a cross country road trip could be so much fun!
Every day of our journey brings something new and exciting and we never know what's around the corner. We are so lucky to have Shaun, a talented purcussionist, joining us on our trip. He's adding that rhythmic beat that makes it very difficult to sit still. I know our audiences will be clapping along as they watch and enjoy. Can't WAIT to share the beat with everyone.

Moving Right Along

2006-02-06T15:09:00.000-08:00

For me, the best part about creating "something from nothing" is the moment that SOMETHING appears. That happened this week in rehearsal and it has me wishing I could have rehearsal everyday. It's an extraordinary feeling both of what's been accomplished and how much more you can do. We are, indeed, moving right along and I can't wait to see where our journey takes us!

darlene 2/6

Time to hit the road!!

2006-01-23T14:06:00.000-08:00

Well here we go again. stop time dance theater is starting a new adventure and this time it's cross country!!
Wish You Were Here! a cross-country dance odyssey
is in rehearsal and the road ahead looks promising. 6 of the dance numbers are currently in the works and so far not a road closing in sight. A speed bump or 2 and maybe a minor detour, but then, what's a real road trip without a little excitement! The cast is up to speed as always with no signs of running out of gas. Can't wait to invite the audience along on this crazy journey.
So fill up the tank, get out your road map and by all means save the date to join us at Saint Joseph's College, May 26-28.

It's beginning to take shape

2006-01-16T13:07:00.000-08:00

Jan 16: The show is beginning to come to life. There are around five numbers that have been learned at this point. No one knows exactly how the show is going to flow, but that's part of the development process. We know that we're going to be going to various places across the US - hence one of our marketing phrases: "a cross-country dance odyssey". - RF

Let's put on a show!

2005-11-29T06:42:00.000-08:00

Stop/Time Dance Theater embarks on their next production: Wish You Were Here, premiering on Memorial Day Weekend, 2006. This blog will serve as a place for cast and crew to post messages on their experiences bringing this show to life. -Rick