October 25, 2011 | Theatre,

Sneak Peek: ANGEL REAPERS Rehearsal

One advantage to seeing them work and re-work the early sections of Angel Reapers was getting a clear picture of the complexity involved. The piece begins with the company separated by gender, seated facing one another. Scattered giggles turn into full-on laughter, then somehow smoothly transitions into the dancer playing Ann Lee (the spiritual leader of the Shakers) singing “Simple Gifts.” Only in the rehearsal room, you get a much better idea of how much thought, time and energy goes into making this transition effective. They stop to analyze whether or not it makes sense, if it can be heard, how to make sure the others know to stop laughing when she starts singing. The same idea applies to the rhythmic stepping, movement sequences and spoken lines. 

A review I read had mentioned that these were dancers who act and sing beautifully. Listening to the ensemble sing “Simple Gifts,” their resonant sound and satisfying harmonies assured me that this was the case. Listening to the dancer playing Ann in conversation with Clarke, I also noticed how much care the company put into their craft as hybrid performers. She mentioned her concern over not coming off as overly preachy; she had talked with Alfred Uhry and in her own research discovered that Ann didn’t behave this way. Throughout the rehearsal, her earnest approach to the character successfully conveyed Ann’s genuine belief and commanding – yet not preachy – presence. 

I only got to see the first section of Angel Reapers and not the real “meat” of the story. But if the rehearsal was any indication, this highly original mixture of movement, music and theatre will mesmerize audiences when it comes to the Cutler Majestic Theatre in November.

ANGEL REAPERS runs NOV 15-20.