I’m actually a bit confounded… we’ve only performedThe Brothers Size for two widely different audiences and the show has drastically changed. The characters speak with a different rhythm than when in the States. The energy of the Land has compelled everything to drop deeper in our spirits and bodies. The show is taking on a life of its own and we are thrilled to be on the ride!

Here’s a view of the audience during a Q&A/Talkback after one of the performances. It was extremely informative and mind-blowing!!! We’ve done something that no actor has done in the history of theatre…we’ve requested more Q&A talkbacks here in SA

I’m looking forward to having tomorrow off. I haven’t been able to sleep properly. I guess they call that “jetlag?” lol… But at the same time, I’ve had a ton of energy. I guess that’s just excitement of being in South Africa?!
 
Where to begin… I had no idea what to expect before sharing our first performance with the SA audience. I feel like everything has aligned and there was this big bang explosion when we stepped on the stage once the lights were down and the drums began to roar. SA was right there with us in every moment. There were moments when their responses transformed moments to momentus!

I applaud the creative team for working tireless until 4 a.m. in the morning building the set, the lights, the sound, props and costumes to have the show ready before OPENING WEEKEND. Manning Manim, who translated the lights from the design in ‘Cuse, is such an angel. Patrick Curtis, who constructed Jess’s set from ‘Cuse is like an Ant that never stops working. Phillip Botes on sound is blessing the show by hand operating all the cues instead of pressing sound cue buttons.

Stuart Plymesser is literally our HERO! HE HAS PRESERVED this show and dedicated much more than what is required of him in keeping the show running smoothly and being the absolute most incredible, thoughtful, genius STAGE MANAGER EVER!!!!! He’s gone way above and beyond the call. Wow, Stu! We are seriously missing his wife Christina, who was our amazing Wardrobe Dresser, who is simply the best at what she does! The show would not be what it is without that dynamic duo helping us in every way that they always do. So grateful. We will lose them to a well-deserved vacation in a few days and will miss them dearly!

Joshua Elijah Reese, Rodrick Covington, Stuart Plymesser, Timothy Bond and Sam Encarnación in the Grand Lobby at the Baxter Theatre Center.

And the man who so graciously leads and manages us all is the great Timothy Bond. I’m learning so much from this guy. The way that he genuinely cares about people and takes time to talk to every single person that approaches him…his passion and heart for this show goes without saying, but even beyond his brilliance, his generosity of spirit inspires me!

And a gentleman who always goes unnoticed and stays behind the scene like a fly on the wall just blessing everyone with subtle kindness and grattitude is Mr. Jeffery Woodward. Without his relationship with Mannie, none of this would have been possible. Ummmm, why do I feel like I’m giving an award speech???? Lordie G! I promise that is not how I planned this blog! I planned to share how exhilarating this Opening Weekend has been!

I’m overwhelmed with gratitude and so thankful for our team working so hard and together to make the show what it is today. I’m here. I’m open… I’m ready and looking forward to this wonderful adventure.

I love this set!

I mean really?