Behind the Emerald Curtain in Keyano Theater - My Hometown The Musical

As a child one of my favorite parts in The Wizard of Oz occurs when Dorothy searches for the Wizard who is concealed behind the mysterious emerald green curtain.  I recall being an adult and how disappointed I was when I realized that behind the peculiar curtain was a fraud and the magic I had imagined did not exist.  As part of the cast for the most recent Keyano production, I was hoping the same would not be true. 

Over the years I have attended many theatrical events and had no idea what went on behind the mysterious curtain or the stage doors that say “Cast and Crew only”.  Now that I have survived 3 months of rehearsal, tech week, Cue to Cue, Preview night, opening night and 2 performances I have some thoughts to share about what occurs behind the massive drapes.

5:30 p.m. back stage doors open.  The cast and crew begin wandering in.  Three short months ago we boarded this ship as strangers.  At that time shy hellos and friendly smiles were exchanged.  Glances shared between familiar faces as we tried to remember how we knew each other.  Now as I arrive back stage I am greeted by my cast mates who have been on the same journey as I have been. No longer strangers but very familiar faces.  Laughter and conversation fills the air with updates such as  “How is your grand daughter?” “How are your wedding plans”  “My mom and dad surprised me to see opening night” fill the halls. 

6:00 p.m. check in.  We make sure that we check in and head to our perspective dressing rooms.  I am fortunate to share my space with 7 other gals ranging in age from 15 to 50 including a High School student, Administrative leader, Media mogul, lawyer, stay at home mom, College student, Advertising executive and College Instructor all sharing the same space.  Sometimes the space is quiet and other times break out in spontaneous dance using our brushes as microphones as we prepare for the opening number on stage.

6:30 p.m. We are called to the stage for our vocal and physical warm ups.  Taking deep breaths we stretch our vocal chords up moving up and down the scale with a variety of exercises that are meant to help us with the singing and speaking parts that lie ahead.   We stretch and feel the ache of tired muscles as they begin to relax and our heart beat rises.

6:50 p.m. 100 cast members form a huge circle on stage and an impromptu dance off takes place.  Clapping, cheering and encouraging hoots echo throughout the empty theater.  At the end, the entire cast holds hands and rush to the middle with a huge “My Hometown”  cheer filling the rafters.

7:00 p.m. cast and crew move to their respective spaces.  Things get a little quieter as the stage gets set, make up is applied and costumes are organized.  In one of the back rooms a cast member breaks out her guitar and sings a few songs.  In another room two actors turn off the lights and lay on the floor on makeshift beds – made out of a blanket and pillow on the floor and try to get a 20 minute power nap before show time.  Back stage assistants wander from room to room checking to see if help is required offering assistance where needed.  

 7:30 p.m. Half hour notice is shared throughout the hallways.   Everyone responds to the last bit of time before Curtain call a little differently.  Our room has been sharing favorite tunes and singing shamelessly into the air.  Some folks remain more reflective and their room stays quiet as they go over lines and review their various moves off and on the stage. 

7:50 p.m.  We are called to back stage.  When you enter this “Sacred Space” you hear the dull murmur of an audience on the other side of the curtains.  Your cast mates whisper “Break a leg” “Good luck” “Have fun” and high fives are exchanged as we all take our places.

8:00 p.m.  The house lights fade and the familiar voice reminding the audience to “enjoy the show” can be heard and then, the first few strums of Springsteen’s “My Hometown” begins signaling the start of the evening’s performance and then the performance begins. 

What happens for the next 2 ½ hours on stage is seamless.  What goes on behind stage works like a well oiled machine.  People moving from place to place keeping in mind “What happens next”.  A high five with Jerry in his booth as we pass by, a wink from bear as he sits at the bar, a squeeze of my hand from my dance partner Piper.  Indeed a place where kindness, happiness, positivity, optimism, friendship and hope prevails – now I know that magic really does exist behind Keyano’s Emerald Curtain.  

(Photos taken by Keyano College Photographer and can be found at www.keyano.ca)