James Dybas, a stage veteran who plays the Executioner in The Scarlet Pimpernel, agreed to keep a diary of the experience for Playbill On-Line's readers. Here is his diary of the weeks leading up to the opening. Watch for his posts throughout the day as he shares his opening night with you.
Sunday November 9, 1997 - 3:30 PM I took my brother and 11 year-old nephew to the top of the Empire State Building to see the rain and clouds and not much of the city. I’ve left them at the Imax theater to see Across the Sea of Time. I’m at my friend Pat Kennedy’s apartment calling friends in the show to see what they’re doing at this time of day. Here’s what’s going on as of 3:30 PM:Bill Bowers has been trying to shave since 9 AM. His mother and sister are helping to wrap gifts and take care of things around the apartment.
Adam Pelty (cast member and choreographer) and his wife Dani are spending time with their 1 year-old son and watching a video of Tony-nominated musicals -- gift from their attorney. Melissa Hart is baking pumpkin bread to be given as gifts to cast members.
Lighting designer Natasha Katz is trying to divert herself to fend off nerves. She’s shopping with her husband, looking at kitchen books in SOHO.
Charles West just got back from the gym.
Tim Shew’s mom Suzie (visiting from Toledo) answered the phone -- Tim’s taking a nap.
Dave Clemmons and his wife are getting their clothes together and readying their apartment for the after-party party. Dave's also getting in touch with students in his musical class, which begins this Thursday.
David Cromwell is answering the phone every 4 minutes -- friends are calling from around the world from Germany to Boston.
Stephanie Bast is cutting her boyfriend’s hair.
Pam Burrell finished watching the video Rebecca and is now vocalizing. She found out her agent doesn’t have tickets but is rectifying the matter.
Jeff Gardner is wathicng the Jets vs. Miami game on TV.
Ed Sala and his wife are taking their 2 year-old baby to the sitters’ so his wife can dress in peace.
Lauri Landry is out having brunch with her mom who is visiting from out of town.
Don Mayo wanted to take his mom and sister in a hansom cab around Central Park but ended up at the Shark Bar having brunch instead.
Christine Andreas is at the theatre vocalizing as she’s passing out opening night gifts.
Doug Sills is doing a very California thing -- the’s getting ready to meditate.
I’m now going to pick up my brother nephew at the Sony Imax theatre and send them on their way to get ready for the opening night show and party. I’m off to the theatre to finish giving out opening night gifts and press my tuxedo.
