STAGE NOTES: 'Company' Blog

Ronnie Serrato (David) blogs about his crazy but ultimately rewarding experience of being in great Company with those "good and crazy people" onstage!

FEBRUARY 18, 2009

"A Musical Trifecta!"...a local newspaper calls it...but there is so much more to it!  Playing the part of David in this show has been such an incredibly fun and positive, yet humbling experience for me.  Being this is my first part in a professional grade musical, I have learned so much about theatre, and feel I have grown in a new way that I had not explored in my past ventures. 

I remember reviewing the show information, script and even watching the 2006 production of Company on DVD directed by John Doyle and thinking to myself, wow, I could never do something of that caliber. I had been used to singing and playing instruments in front of crowds, but to sing, play AND act all in one show? No scene breaks? Plus, music by Stephen Sondheim?

I had never even really acted before on a serious level, except for a couple very small parts in the two musicals I was in, which I had minimal lines.  Then I learned that Company has no scene breaks? I'm not even an actor!  My initial thinking was, No way!  But thanks to Enrico Banson (Director/also asHarry in our show), with whom I am in band for our church youth music ministry, I was encouraged to take this challenge, pick up my sax and bring the part of David alive in this show.  It was clear that the casting was done carefully and precisely.  I was honored to oblige.

I must say I was very intimidated at first, after meeting the cast and all the amazing talent that seems to just pour out of them without effort.  But I soon realized, that not only were they super friendly and supportive, but we all seemed to be on the same level and even had some of the same concerns and frustrations in the learning process.  It soon became apparent that we all gave off an energy and magic that has made this show a success.  Every instrument, every voice, every personality has an art that has made our version of this show remarkable to say the least.

One of the most wonderful gifts I will take from this experience would be the new friendships I have made, and the existing friendships that have become stronger.  It's one thing to work professionally with talented people, but to work with AND become friends with people that are as down to earth, fun, caring and supportive as the cast and producers of our show, is truly a blessing!  We have had some good times together as we barreled through Company, and I will keep those great memories scrapbooked in my heart.  Cheers to the cast, and Jerica Productions for making this experience one I won't forget...

-Ronnie Serrato (David)

STAGE NOTES: 'Company' Blog

Danamer Mercado (Sarah) discusses the big move from being a pit musician, to one of those "good and crazy people" onstage!

FEBRUARY 5, 2009

Never had I imagined that a dream I once had, though far-fetched it may have seemed, would somehow come true. I always wanted to be able to act and sing in a musical, but was always shy to try out. I always played music because music was in my blood. But to be able to play an instrument, sing and act and share it with an audience would be truly an amazing experience if one would be so lucky to get that chance. Being a part of Company has given me that chance.

Working with such great talents was at first intimidating to me because I had never acted or sang in a musical like the other cast members. Going though the process of learning my lines, memorizing the music, the blocking, getting to know the cast and their characters, seemed scary and challenging to me. “What was I thinking? Could I really do this?” There is just too much to learn and absorb. As time progressed, and watching how a show written in paper transformed to this amazing musical through the hard work and cooperation of each cast and crew member was mesmerizing to me. That fear and challenge now turned into excitement and accomplishment.

I realized I didn’t have to feel intimidated, but should feel honored that I have been given the opportunity to perform with such talented people and are able to share our talents with an audience. Though this is my first musical, who knows it may be my last or maybe one of many more, I am grateful that my first experience was performing in the show Company and working with Jerica Productions.