BBAJ Week 3: My favorite stage directions!

We had three more rehearsals where we finished blocking the first half of the show, ran the first half several times, and then started blocking the second half. The first half is in great shape, but since we haven't touched the second half of the show in about two weeks, our last rehearsal was almost like learning a completely different show with the return of the blocking block, etc.

My Favorite Stage Directions...Ever!

There is so much great stuff in the script of BBAJ that the audience will never hear! All of the zany lines will of course be said, but there's also some really entertaining stage directions in there. Without giving any spoilers, here are my favorites so far:


Page 1, setting up the opening of the show:

"A Wild West tavern. Dirt and afterbirth on the ground. Saloon music plays."

Can you imagine placentas scattered about the stage?!? If only!


Page 3, introducing the storyteller:

 "We're greeted by a mid-forties, Puff the Magic Dragon-style storyteller woman. She...wears a questionable sweater."

Amy Kelly, who plays the storyteller, is also our costume designer. Can't wait to see what she comes up with for herself for the "questionable sweater!"


Page 29, introducing the Founding Fathers:

"Fun, mindless dance music abruptly blares at a high volume (Preferably a recognizable, guilty pleasure pop song that feels a bit tacky and very un-masculine. Example: The Spice Girls' "Spice Up Your Life."...)...

...as four Founding Fathers strut forth and vogue like runway models. They wear big silly doilies and look positively foppish compared to the young, hip Jackson--but they think they're butch, sexy, and dangerous."

So some of that may be a spoiler, but I couldn't help it. Watch out for my best Gisele Bundchen stomp!


Page 57, when Jackson is elected President:

"Jackson is President, the People of America stand behind him unified. He's either going to be the best President ever or the worst. Holy Shit."

Holy shit indeed! Until next time.