Robyn O'Neill » pete n keely

Swift Creek

robyn — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 23:43:07 +0000

I had two shows yesterday – one at 2:30 and the other at 8:00 – which left me about three hours in-between to shoot some of the spectacular scenery that often goes unnoticed by audiences who go straight into the theatre without looking around the property. This is a popular spot with actors on two-show days. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve picnicked here in the spring, summer, and fall. It’s a splendid spot!

According to Swift Creek Mill Theatre’s website, records indicate that Swift Creek Mill was in existence as early as 1663, and is believed to be the oldest grist mill in this country. On May 9th and 10th, 1864, a battle was fought around the mill when General B.F. Butler’s Army of the James attempted to cross Swift Creek. Good thing they weren’t attempting to do that in the winter. Look how the ice is still covering the branches in the falls.

The water level of Swift Creek has gotten way above this marker many times. The Granite Room, which is the lower dining room in the restaurant, has been completely under water on several occasions. The most famous story of water in the Mill was when the show Two By Two, a musical about Noah and the Ark, lost its closing night due to the flood in theatre.

If Swift Creek Mill’s food isn’t your thing (and it’s not mine), Wagstaff’s Steak House is right on the other side of the creek.
(But take the bridge. The water is cold and rough!)

So come on down and see Pete ‘n’ Keely. And while you’re there, take a look around. You’ll be glad you did!

Pete ‘n’ Keely – Snowed Out Again

robyn — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 23:26:17 +0000

This has been just the craziest month! First let me say that our rehearsal period for Pete ‘n’ Keely was really short. Three weeks – evenings only – couple of weekends. That’s 20 songs (120 if you count the Cross Country Tour), two people, and Robin Arthur choreography. It was pretty intense. Then, at the end of those three weeks, we did two preview performances (the first of which was actually reviewed – gotta love that) and THEN THE SNOW CAME.

There went our opening. A producer’s nightmare! On a personal note, I thought “fine with me!” I generally don’t enjoy the big opening night thing. I barely know the show at that point, and the fact that the critics (and so many of my friends) are in the house usually makes me want to throw up. However, I’ve got to say it was pretty strange to just… go home. No opening night party? No celebratory drinks? Kinda sad.

Fast forward to last night. Remember how we hardly knew the show last week? Well now we’ve been away from it for six days. Thank God our small, but lively audience didn’t mind. They seemed to be having quite a good time!

And today – more snow. And more cancellations. When did I move to New England?

It could be worse. It could be Mulan. They’re only scheduled to play three weekends and they’re losing two. That’s gotta hurt! At least we’ve got until mid-March. Russell and I are bound to hit our stride long before then!

A few more

robyn — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 22:43:39 +0000

I am finally finished with all of the Pete n Keely photos. Here are a few more of the production shots.

Photo Call

robyn — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 23:19:39 +0000

We had photo call for Pete ‘n’ Keely last night. Tom Width took pictures with my camera and I brought them home to edit.
I must say I love this dress… and the shoes… and the wig. You can also see some of my other handy work on the wall.

Pete n Keely n Jack

robyn — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 20:03:56 +0000

I’ve been spending a lot of time with Photoshop this past week, working on a project for Pete n Keely. We’re not using this one, so I thought I would throw it out there as a sneak peek. (Don’t look too closely. It’s far from perfect. But it’s fun, huh?)