photographic evidence

Last night was our first rehearsal with the singers. Lucky for all of us, I had a digital camera with me! As Rick and Aaron and I looked on, the BJT singers went over the cues with Music Director Chris** for the first time.

The band was well-rehearsed and ready. Jay with his fifty thousand guitars; Brian and Michael, the strong and silent ones; and Andrew, who was in full hair-flipping, stick-twirling, lip-pursing mode.

I wish I had the words to describe the feeling that comes from watching something that's only existed in your head take shape in front of your eyes. And it's never quite what you've pictured. It's always different and, if you've cast the roles properly, always better.

The vocal casting in this show is by far my most favorite element, because it's just dudes. Regular guys -- some who sing in bands, some who don't -- that we were lucky enough to rope into our demented little show.

I mean, who among us could have imagined a character like John Hughes coming along, with the range and schitzophrenic personality to perform everything from Robert Plant to James Hetfield?

And Jesse Cunningham seems like such a nice young man, yet when he opens his mouth, out comes a drunk and gravelly Alice Cooper.

If Jairus Minsky was repairing the drywall in your home, would you have any idea that he can do an Ozzy that's nearly indistinguishable from the real thing?

But the question on everyone's mind ... how did good old Dean Hockman do? Well, he exceeded everyone's expectations simply by showing up ... and I'm pleased to report, his David Lee Roth is right on the money.

It was the first time for everyone, and there's certainly rough spots, but I anticipate that with polish, the BTJ House Band will take the show to new heights and be a big hit with the audience.

** Them big eyes make Norwegian girls swoon, ya know.