So what do the kids of TWIST do when they are not performing or rehearsing? Just about everything! Many of the kids are from the LA area, but a number are from other parts of the country: Julianna from New Jersey, Josh B. from Texas, Nick from Georgia, Coco from New York, Kyle from Connecticut (although Kyle is technically not a kid, he plays not only Skillet in the show, but an orphan and a Boston Boy as well), and myself from Pennsylvania.
What are some of the things the kids have been doing and seeing while visiting the LA area? Probably one of the favorites is Disneyland. California Screaming was a great ride, although the Tower of Terror was a little too terrifying for some of us. Universal was also a really good time, especially Jurassic Park (we really got soaked) and The Mummy.
The beach is a favorite as well. Although most of the out-of-town kids frequent the Atlantic Ocean, the Pacific coastline is beautiful and really spectacular to see. We were at Dume Point in Malibu and it was amazing to see the dolphins swimming just off shore. Dukes Restaurant in Malibu was pretty awesome as well. Thanks to Pat McRoberts, our evil Lucius, for pointing it out to us. We had the greatest dinner there, as the surf crashed into the glass windows while we were eating.
Just hanging with the cast on days off has been great too. Both adults and kids have really enjoyed barbeques together between shows. Often on 2 show days the kids head over to the Trio Apartments to play XBOX 360.
Pasadena has been a great place to spend almost 3 months. The weather is always beautiful; I don’t think we have seen a raindrop since arriving here! We all head back east on Monday to hot, humid temperatures of over 100 degrees. We will definitely be missing not only our Twist family, but the beautiful California weather as well!
- John Fisher
So now that TWIST is up and running, eight shows a week, you probably think that the rehearsals are over. Well, they aren’t. Rehearsals began for TWIST on May 9th. For five weeks, six days a week, for eight hours a day, we all sung, danced and acted our hearts out… . over and over again to learn the show and then perfect it. Once TWIST hit the stage, the rehearsals still go on. About once a week we have a “brush-up” rehearsal, just to make sure that the dances are still as great as ever and that everyone is still doing what they are supposed to be doing! Just the other day we had a four hour rehearsal run by the extraordinary Ms. Cathie Nicholas, our assistant choreographer. She is a great teacher and mentor to all the kids, and adults as well. Ms. Cathie is tough, and we hear over and over… and over “Again”. But she is fair and always keeping us motivated to do the very best we can. She, herself, is a phenomenal dancer and performer and in fact, recently we had a fellow cast mate injured, and who suited up in costume and performed without missing a beat – Ms. Cathie!
Well… I should probably head off to bed now because I have rehearsal in addition to a show tomorrow.
-John Fisher
A GREAT WAY TO KICK OFF TWIST - OPENING WEEKEND
Ben Vereen, Phylicia Rashad, Diahann Carroll, CHH Pounder, and Marilyn McCoo all in attendance for opening night, but the real stars of the evening were the Twist kids. With a cast of thirty-two, twelve “urchins” kept things lively both on stage and off. Ranging from ages 8 to 17 this was many of the kids first time on the red carpet and they handled it like pros. When interviewed, they all kept their cool and had great things to say:
“It’s great to play a completely different person and encompass their personality and go through what they have to go through in the show. It’s great.”
- Alaman Diadhiou
“When I auditioned for Twist we had to sing, dance and act … (The most fun part of the show is) to be on stage and have that big rush.”
-Dempsey Tonks
The opening weekend festivities included two parties. The first was Saturday evening at AKA Bistro for the backers and donors of the theater. The second, the official opening, was a big party in the courtyard of the Playhouse and Elements restaurant. This party was definitely geared for the kids; a whole table of candy and chocolate, and a full ice cream buffet. There was even a table laden with lollipops, all made of cake - delicious, delightful, delectable, d’wonderful!
Both parties gave the kids a chance to dress in their best digs. Coco Monroe sported a huge, and I do mean huge, top hat, complete with Mardi Gras mask, while Alaman Diadhiou was stylish and slick. The “Three Supremes” (Micah Patterson, Julianna Rigoglioso, and Dempsey Tonks) sparkled in their designer gowns.
All the kids had an amazing time. Getting to meet such Broadway veterans and stars, inspired them to give performances that were beyond all expectations. All in all opening weekend was a huge success. Playing to sold-out crowds with standing ovations every night really makes all the weeks of long rehearsals worth it!
