It Takes Guts To Do Drama

Twenty years ago, I was in a show called "Ladies At The Alamo." It was basically a five-character, two act cat fight that was a lot of fun to do, but probably a bit uncomfortable to watch. And I can't even remember the exact line (it wasn't mine, after all), but one of the characters said something about being able to put one's guts out there for all the world to see. She was discussing drama, and the point she was trying to make was that she never wanted to play anyone ugly.

Dennis Grosse, the actor playing Joe Keller for me in "All My Sons" is one whose experience is all in comedy, and all in supporting roles. I think he only really took on this role as a favour to me. He certainly hadn't expected to be cast as Joe. But he was.

I have always been told, by experienced directors, that it's much easier to draw a dramatic performance from a comedic actor that the reverse. Dennis is having to work hard at letting out his inner Joe. In the past, all the roles he has played have allowed him to fake it, and he fakes it very well. However, this time he must draw the character from within himself in order to make him honest. I think he is starting to appreciate doing that.

Perhaps drama should come with a caution: Once You Let The Genie Out...

There were a couple of scenes in tonight's rehearsal that were truly awesome! Never mind the line bobbles--we still have two weeks. If I put off character development until everyone's lines are letter-perfect, we'll still be rehearsing in April! I just have to ask myself, "Which is more important, lines or character?" Not too difficult to answer. All the actors are doing a fantastic job of both. I hope they don't get too mad at me when I stop them mid-scene to ask them questions about their character. I do it fairly frequently. I have to stop now, though. Now I have to refrain from stopping them at all, and just let it run. Will all these terrific scenes meld together into a whole that is greater than the sum of its parts?

Or am I the fool who rushes in where angels fear to tread?