Musical Theatre (36) - Random numbers

Today we spent the lesson going over numbers that we thought needed the most work:

• "Without You":   This number went really well today. Taylor and Henri got all of their lyrics right and sang it really well. The only feedback we received for this number is that Taylor has to use her face more and we all have to really commit to our characters.
• "I'll Cover You (reprise)":   Lew sang this really well today. However, he needs to look up more during the number so the audience doesn't disconnect from him. The harmonies were really strong for this number.
• "Goodbye Love":   We now all start on stage for this number as there is no need for a scene change. Instead we all move as if about to leave but we don't as they all start singing.
• "Seasons of Love":   This number went really well. We all sang at a good confident level. Our harmonies were all strong and the number sounded fine. Although the scene before this number is quite depressing, I still believe that we should make this number more upbeat and fun, as it is the finale. To ensure that audience realises that "Goodbye Love" is the ending of our version, I think we could ask our teacher to say something along the lines of "I hope you have enjoyed the Revolution Arts production of "Rent"; to sing us out is the whole cast singing "Seasons of Love". Then would could perform the number as an uplifting inspiring piece to brighten the mood, after a depressing ending.
• "Tango: Maureen":   Apart from a few wrong lyrics in places, this number sounded quite good today. Unfortunately, the same can't be said for the dance at times, as there were a few mistakes. Due to our height difference (as I didn't wear my heels today) we struggled with the parts where we go under each other's arms, and the part where I dip him before dropping him. However, these mistakes haven't happened before, and were purely due to me not wearing the heels (due to a burn on my ankle); and the lyric issues were just a slip of the tongue - so therefore, we are not really worried about this number.
• "I'll Cover You":   This number was greatly improved today. They ran it a couple twice, once for us to watch and make suggestions, and the second time to implement the suggestions. These suggestions included the point that when there is a large distance between them, they need to show even more with their body language that they love each other. However, the second time was really impressive. They were really committed and professional as they did kiss at the end of the song.
• "La Vie Boheme":   This number is definitely improving all the time now. The only real notes from this piece is that we need to ensure we use the space more to avoid us ending up in a semi-circle, and to watch our timing in places. Apart from these notes, this number is looking a lot better - our energy levels have improved.
• "Santa Fe":   This number is consistent every rehearsal now, so I am confident with this piece. The vocals sound fine and the spacing works well.

A change we made for today was that we moved our four microphones (that were on stands on stage blocks on the floor) to the stage (so they are closer to head height to pick up more sound). Although you could hear us all slightly better, the microphones on stage make the piece look messy and especially looks strange for "Tango: Maureen" when I am 'setting up a microphone' and singing in to it. Therefore, we shall have to put them back where they were but bring all of the numbers slightly further forward. We shall spend part of our last two rehearsals re-spacing a couple of numbers to ensure that whoever is singing is near a microphone. We shall also do a full run with costumes, props and set, and do a tech and lighting run.