Toluca: Show Days

We've done a LOT of shows this semester, but none have quite compared to the two we performed in Toluca, Mexico. Let me explain why!

Thursday: Our first show in Toluca was in a wonderful, HUGE theater. We had a great set up and were ready to go. We'd had a succesful rehearsal and we started our show as usual. Then, towards the end of our 2nd song (which is a HUGE pump up dance number involving the whole cast), our sound system completely stopped...not a sound. Now, seeing as our band's sound is powered through the system as well, we were left with nothing. No mics, no band, no backup tracks, no nothing. Our cast didn't miss a BEAT! We didn't stop - we just kept going. And even better? We went from singing to REALLY SINGING in every attempt to help the audience hear us! It was an incredible moment. But it didn't stop there. Turns out, EVERYTHING electronic in our show (projectors, sound system, etc. etc.) was all being powered through one cord running back stage (yay Mexico!). Unfortunately, that power cord had to run across our main pathway between the stage and our dressing rooms, so with 120 of us, there was always traffic present. If anyone even tapped that cord, the power went out. 

So, as we were finishing up a number called "You're My Son," I noticed out of the corner of my eye that the screen behind me was black, which is odd because it usually projects lyrics in the language of the country we're in. Normally in the show, there is a video sequence that comes immediately after that song, so without the projector, it's pointless to show the audience "Viral Hype." It was great that our staff was able to communicate to the band to tell them we'd be continuing on immediately to the next song. Our Emcee went out and made up and impromptu intro to the 80s medley, and away we went!

The first act ended just fine, and then we started into our second half after intermission. Well, about halfway through our International Medley, the sound system tanked AGAIN! Our cast amped it up once more and finished "Soran Bushi" with no trouble what-so-ever (it was actually THE perfect song for the sound to go out on). Our band kept playing, so when the sound did come back, we were in perfect time! Unfortunately after that number, our staff member Tonio came out on stage to announce we were having technical difficulties and that we'd be back as soon as possible. We left the stage (which we've never done before), and our production team figured out the problem with the power cord. Our fearless Cast Manager, Leslie, stood guard the rest of the show to make sure it wasn't touched, tapped, or tripped over. We picked up no problem and finished the show strong. It was a fantastic show that really proved what our cast was made of. We felt very proud of everyone that night, and it demonstrated just how fantastic our production team is!

All photo credit goes to Miss Ambrea!

Saturday: We had an even COOLER venue - OUTSIDE in the square just a bit away from the Teatro Morelos (where our Thursday show was). Who gets to say they performed in an outdoor, open-air concert? We do! It was such a fun show, even with fighting back the rain and chilly weather at times. Our cast came together and delivered another stellar performance for the big crowd gathered!

This was our "backstage." Rough, I know.

Our view Stage Left

Our great set up crew scaling the stage!

Rehearsal! (Party 'Round the World)

Part of the crowd gathered

At intermission, our cast stopped for a moment to enjoy Wish Lanterns floating up in the night sky. A wedding party was releasing them nearby, and we had the pleasure of watching them float up, up, and away! It was a great memory.

Toluca definitely proved to have two of my most favorite shows of the semester! =)