I probably mentioned that I agreed to play Keyboard 2 for Footloose up at the Red Barn. Well, tonight is opening night. It is a very, very solid show. Isaiah Jensen and Scott Jensen both have lead roles (remind you of Smoke on the Mountain, Erica?) They are both phenomenal. Emma Martin also absolutely shines in her role. You probably remember her as a very little girl, but she has turned out to be quite the singer, actress and dancer.
We have a rather big pit band, with three keyboards – John Dutmer on main piano, me on the backup sounds, like organ, string, brass, etc. and a revolving door of people on the bass part on the other one. Actually I guess we have an actual bass player one or two nights. Then we have an amazing guitar player and an equally amazing reed player, who plays flute, clarinet, tenor sax and bari sax, depending on what is called for. Then we have Jim Hurst on percussion, and he is the best money can buy. So, yeah. We have a good pit. Unfortunately we are mostly told we are too loud! I’m enjoying knowing that I can miss a note here or there and no one on stage will be the wiser. It was such pressure being the main pianist, because they count on you always playing it the same as you have before and being there for all the entrances and following if you get on the wrong verse. On Keyboard 2 I can just do my best and go home! And still get paid the same amount.
It sounds like the show is a lot of fun. It’s cool that you get the same pay for a job that is less stressful.