Hey, Ladies! The programs were delivered on Wednesday, August 22nd and Karen brought them to rehearsal the next evening. They are truly beautiful! You saw the proof that had been sent earlier so you have an idea of how the program looks. We are very pleased with them and again and again wish to extend our thanks to Super Shoes and Victor Holler! Thank you! Thank you!

500+ A Night at the Music Box Programs

The last few rehearsals are proving that we are getting closer and closer to being ready to perform. On August 23, Frank Batchelor made a second video tape of our third to the last rehearsal. He will also video the dress rehearsal and the show itself. He then made cassette tapes of all the songs and these were given to members of the chorus to sing along with wherever they happen to have a handy tape recorder. The tapes are being revised now to include all the show tunes, whereas the first cassettes had only five of the show songs. Also, in the second video, we simulated the stage setup (sans tables and platforms), and we wore the white gloves for the first time. Jim West has worked with us for weeks, coaching and advising and helping in any way he can. We are quite beholden to him! He has been particularly helpful with the choreography moves.

Jim has been in touch with Pizzazz, and when they arrive in Cumberland from the Baltimore area, he will meet them and take them to dinner before the big show on September 9th. Just another way in which Jim is assisting the Ladybirds! Thanks, Jim for all your excellent help!

Ellie wore the blue outfit at the August 23 rehearsal and black shoes and stockings and makeup and white gloves to show the group the approximate costume. Hers is slightly different from that of the chorus. We discovered that about seven pairs of silver sequin earrings are needed, and Jackie demonstrated the new sparkly collars that the ladies will wear as an accessory to dress up the nice mini-pleated two-piece outfits they are wearing. We talked about the makeup procedure, which is to be supervised by Liz West and Rosie McIntyre. Those ladies who can, are going to apply their own makeup; those who need assistance will receive it. Eveyone was instructed to wear the full costume, makeup and all for the dress rehearsal. White gloves and sequin collars will be distributed at the theater.

Andee Thompson was in attendance at the rehearsal, too! She is a wonderful emcee, who is affiliated with WCBC Radio. She has a bubbly personality and a stage presence you wouldn’t believe. She read the script and we zipped right through the entire show.

Karen Emerick was busily taking care of distribution of show tickets and 50/50 tickets for the ladies to sell in advance of the show. All four of our businesses handling advance sale tickets have received those tickets and a large-sized poster to inform the public of the up-coming event.

Betty Twigg reported her findings regarding newspaper advertisement and television advertisement choices. She has had several news articles published already, both in the Allegany Arts Council newsletter and in the Cumberland Times-News. Betty was also in touch with Diane Loar at the Western Maryland Food Bank and reported that the Food Bank is set up to send out press releases.

The Ladybirds are doing everything they can to make sure that A Night at the Music Box is in everyone’s mind these days. They are pinning up posters in various places for all to see; they are busily selling show tickets, which are $2.00 cheaper if bought in advance; they are selling 50/50 tickets, the sale of which will benefit the Western Maryland Food Bank. Already, radio broadcasters are publicizing the show, and articles are appearing in the local newspaper, Cumberland Times-News.

The Ladybirds Brainstorming and Preparing for the Show

Clearly, the Ladybirds are doing everything they can to insure that A Night at the Music Box will be a huge success and will be very well attended. Hope to see you there!