Notes from The White Snake First Rehearsal
February 14, 2017—The cast and design team of The White Snake recently came together with Baltimore Center Stage staff for the production’s first rehearsal, which took place in the newly renovated Andrus Rehearsal Hall in our historic theater on Calvert Street.
Artistic Director Kwame Kwei-Armah kicked off the meeting via Skype as he welcomed the group from London—where he’s currently directing One Love: The Bob Marley Musical at Birmingham Rep. After the general introductions, members of the Artistic Team shared their visions for the production.
Director Natsu Onoda Power explained her personal connection to Mary Zimmerman, The White Snake’s playwright. A student of Zimmerman’s during her time in college, Power views her as a mentor and likened their relationship to that of Green Snake and White Snake, two of the main characters in the play.
Scenic Designer Hana S. Kim shared a model of the set design and explained some of the more athletic challenges the innovative design will pose to the actors.
Costume Designer Nicole Wee presented her sketches and inspiration for the flowing and colorful ensembles that the actors will wear. And Music Director Jeff Song gave everyone a glimpse into the magic of the music for the show. Song and three other musicians will be composing the music for The White Snake throughout the rehearsal process, and multiple instruments from different parts of the world will make up the ensemble. The music for this show, while currently a mystery, will have a completely original sound.
After the design presentations, members of the Baltimore Center Stage staff were invited to listen to the cast do their first read through of the script. It was an exciting first day for what is going to be an enchanting production! To view more photos from The White Snake first rehearsal, visit the show page.