NPAC Cast with Wayne Rapozo from Kauai who
hosted the group to lunch and tour of Almeida Theatre
Sorry took so long to post, we got back late after our show . . . so here goes:
August 2: The day began with our first breakfast at the Bankside House and the NPAC group was thrilled . . . different selections included veggie sausages. Then it was a short walk to the London Eye that really gave us a bird's eye view of the city.
Then things even got better. Wayne Rapozo, local boy from Kauai, set up both a lunch and tour of the Almeida Theatre. Mr. Rapozo set up to have the group picked up in vans from the London Eye. And yes . . . what a pick up in black Mercedes Vans . . . we felt like celebrities. The lunch was at a restaurant called Almeida and included dishes such as duck, risotto, trout, and desserts such as lemon posset. The tour of the theatre was very educational and made us realize that you don't need a huge venue to make it work. The goal of having the audience very intimate with the performers is a key mission and it works. We could not believe how generous Mr. Rapozo was and how supportive he made us feel. Thank you!
Then it was off on the Tube to attend a rehearsal with the London cast of South Pacific and Loretta Ables Sayre of Hawaii. Meeting Loretta made us feel like we were back home. This was an amazing experience to get to see the cast run through almost the whole first act of South Pacific in their rehearsal studio. To get to see the performers up close and hear their voices was mind blowing. Think about it, we got to meet Tony award winners, director, Bartlett Sher, Paulo Szot, and Tony nominated, Loretta Ables Sayre. Everyone was so warm, giving, and loved the advice about making performing a career. As thanks, we gave our leis to the cast of South Pacific.
Then it was off on the Tube again and a huge surprise for the NPAC group. Although we knew we were not scheduled to see the musical Wicked, Mr. Kitsu decided it would be a great idea to go to the theatre and take photos in front of the marquee. As the group posed for the picture, Mr. Kitsu announced that we would all be seeing Wicked and that he bought tickets for everyone. There was stunned silence, then screams of joy and tears flowing. Went Mr. Kitsu returned with the tickets, a huge group hug was given to him. Of course the show was wonderful and for some cast members, more tears flowed.
We caught cabs back to the hotel and called it a night. What a tremendous day . . . it truly was once in a lifetime.
