Some Power That Is really doesn't want us to have a trouble-free rehearsal. Tonight, we went to Autry House only to find out that there was an Ash Wednesday service was being held there. We ended up borrowing one of the small conference rooms and being very, very quiet for the first hour of rehearsal.
A fairly light evening: started off with Paulina's visit to the jail, which turned out very well, with some good interactions between her, the gaoler, and Emilia. Then Polixenes and Camillo in IV,2 -- nice and straightforward, and not slow either, which is good. After that we went to Amy's, hoping to meet Kevin Krause there and wish him a happy birthday, but somehow our paths never managed to cross. Nonetheless, it was pleasant to take a little ice-cream break. (The Brandy Alexander ice cream at Amy's is excellent.)
So after that, back to Autry House, where we rehearsed Autolycus' first meeting with the clown. First bit of really broad physical comedy, and we've encouraged them to rehearse frequently on their own, because some of the bits (like the pocket-picking) are not going to be easy. Still, we have some really hilarious things going on with Autolycus, who proceeds from, "Ooh -- a numb-nut that I can rob!" to "He's such a numb-nut I can't even pick his pocket!" and the Clown, who's as perfectly guileless and clueless as you could want. We have music incoming for Autolycus' songs, and we are encouraging Paul to "flirt" with the audience throughout that whole beginning speech/song. We have and idea for the "snapper-up of unconsidered trifles": have an usher give one of the audience members a handkerchief, and then have Autolycus swipe it.