Captain's Log: Stardate December 20, 2010, AM

It's been a few days since the last entry.  Time has been spent making final approach plans for our arrival at Broadway Rose Theater in Tigard.

Paul Conden will be arriving at the High School on Monday, January 3, at 1:00 PM and we will load all of the scenery onto his trailer. The crew and I will meet him at Broadway Rose to unload the scenery. Then the process of putting the puzzle pieces together will begin. Any parents interested in helping are welcome to show up.

Meanwhile, the cast will be doing a complete run through with Music Director, Matt Insley.

On Tuesday, January 4, the technical crew will join me at Broadway Rose as we complete assembly of the scenery for Wednesday's arrival of the cast and our first rehearsal. Once again, Matt will rehearse the cast after school where they will do a sing through of the play with the complete orchestra!

Then it's everyone at the theater on Wednesday, January 4th. Keep an eye out for transportation details.

In the meantime, we will be doing final preparations with the scenery tomorrow (Tuesday, Dec. 21, 11-4) and Thursday (Time to be determined).  If anyone would like to show up we will be working in the gym lobby.

That's all for now.

Live long and Prospero,

Rick Zimmer

Captain's Log: Stardate December 17, 2010, PM

Here's a preview of the opening prologue starring RHS instructor Dan Palma and filmed with the assistance of student Josh Israel...enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dsKtBZzwtDI

(Click link to watch)

Captain's Log: Stardate December 17, 2010, AM

Things have been busy aboard Scientific Survey Flight 9. Last night we had a complete run through utilizing the newly installed control panels and captain's bridge. Many thanks to Paul Condon for his assistance in delivering these items to the space craft.The 7-person student technical crew also attended the rehearsal to get glimpse of the entire play before our move over to Broadway Rose on January 3. A great way to end our rehearsal time as we begin our two-week winter lay over.

Before we left last night, the space craft steered over to the RHS library in order to drop off a number of crew members to perform in the choir concert.  I was able to attend the concert myself and once again was reminded of how talented the Riverdale students are. Choir Commander/Director Michelle Horgen did a marvelous job and presented us with an evening filled with a wide variety of choral, duets, solos and instrumental pieces to put all of us in the holiday spirit. She also gave the play a nice plug! Thanks, Michelle.

This afternoon the video crew will work to capture RHS instructor and sometimes actor, Dan Palma, in his guest appearance as the play's "Newscaster/Narrator". Mr. Palma will also be sitting in with the musical's pit orchestra each and every performance! Thanks, Dan.

That's it for now. Watch this space for ticket ordering information.

Live long and Prospero,

Rick Zimmer, Director

Captain's Log: Stardate December 15, 2010, PM....

Wow! Today's rehearsal was dedicated entirely to dances.  The entire spaceship rocked-n-rolled to those 60s hits, WIPEOUT, SHAKE, RATTLE AND ROLL, THE MONSTER MASH, and SHE'S NOT THERE!!!

Tomorrow we will be doing a thorough pre-flight check and running a complete Act One and Two rehearsal right after brand new control panels are installed for the Flight Crew, Navigational Officer and Bosun. Captain Tempest will be riding high as he calls out commands from his top-of-the-line command bridge. Then it's two weeks of orbital silence as we await touchdown in our new rehearsal space, The Broadway Rose Theater in Tigard.

Much of our focus has been on the orbiting crew aboard the Scientific Survey Craft. However, their journey would not be possible without the dedicated support of the technical crew headed up by Junior, Josh Israel, and the Command Center operators Jody Haagenson, Cheryl Trine, Paula Robinson, and several parental units providing behind the scene attention to publicity, ticketing and technical support. Thank you, ground crew.

Again, more info is coming on ticketing and Broadway Rose rehearsal schedules. Stay tuned.

Until then, live long and Prospero!

Rick Zimmer, Director

Captain's Log: Stardate December 15, 2010...

There has been a strange bug that has infected the space craft lately and it has taken out a few cast members and our music director. However, last night's rehearsal went forward with great enthusiasm and determination.  A reminder to all of us...take care of yourselves. Rest and good nourishment is a must.

Today's rehearsal is dedicated to polishing all of the dance numbers.  Remember to wear your "stretchy pants"!

Since RETURN TO THE FORBIDDEN PLANET is not familiar to everyone, here's a link to its official website...

http://www.angelfire.com/pa2/forbiddenplanet/

Only two more rehearsals before the long and much anticipated break. During this time rehearsals will be in "suspended animation". However, crew members will be reviewing mentally all lines, music, blocking and dance moves so that upon our return on January 3rd, our reentry into rehearsal rigors will be stellar.

Stay tuned for upcoming ticket and Broadway Rose Theater information. Until then,

"Live long and Prospero!"

Rick Zimmer, Director

Captain's Log: Stardate December 14, 2010...

Greetings Earthlings,

This is only a test. In the very near future you will be reading detailed reports and updates on the Riverdale High School musical production of Bob Carlton's RETURN TO THE FORBIDDEN PLANET, William Shakespeare's long-lost 60s rock musical!

Until then, live long and "Prospero".

Rick Zimmer, Director