Leaving Iowa first preview went well last night. Some moments to work with the cast, a couple with the tech, but that’s what previews are for so I’m happy about that.

Overall, I think the show is very pretty, very funny, and in another week when we hit the official opening it will be in really fine shape.

One of the local reviewers likes to come on First Preview. Although it’s not normally done we don’t complain – he’s a nice guy who also usually writes very favorable reviews, including the “4 out of 4” review posted this morning on the Michigan Entertainment website, which you can see right here! Some nice quotes, including “I will say right up front that you want to get your tickets to this show RIGHT NOW” and “Hop in the car and ride along in that back seat, you will be glad you did.”

It’s funny – this show is a very family oriented show, focusing a lot on the family dynamics of car trips, young siblings fighting, and the relationship between father and son. Where I am right now in MY life, both being a son AND having a young son, there are some scenes in the show that just wipe me out! In the repetition of rehearsals I’d almost gotten ‘immune’ to some of those moments, but last night watching it with an audience.. they really hit home. Listening to people laughing, and then listening to a lot of them sniffling and getting emotional when the moments hit… well, it’s a beautiful thing.

A nice reminder of A) Why I do what I do and B) Why I like to go home to my family after I do what I do!