So. We have a new show that we're developing. That makes seven shows that the Tortuga Twins have written. Five are currently running. Of those not running, one is our original Edwina show and another is the written, but shelved Snow White show. Then, of course, there are the twoTortugapalooza theater shows. So, I guess that makes nine Tortuga Twins shows all told. Not too shabby.
So, we have a new show. This one is about Helen of Troy and the Trojan War. We call it Troy Story, and we're having a lot of fun with it.
 The Tortuga Twins play "What's My Line!" |
 Ronn tries out the Paris wig - and HATES it! |
 D'Angelo Tortuga as Achilles |
We began seriously writing it in February of this year. The jokes came easier than we thought they would on this one - easier than on any of the other shows we've written. Maybe we're getting better at the writing part of what we do . . . or maybe we just got lucky. Either way, the script came together rather quickly.
And then it sat there for a while.
We would get together to work on what needed to be worked on - filling in some of the missing jokes, the blocking, figuring out the props. But we never got around to "finishing" it. Not really.
Knowing us like he does, and realizing that we would never finish this damned thing without a gentle cattle prodding, Ronn listed Troy Story in the Carolina Renaissance Festival's 2008 schedule, beginning in October. It was July, I think. Plenty of time, right? Riiight.
 Troy Story Costumage |
 I'm Paris, Bitches! |
 Forced Perspective - such Special Effects! |
Time passes on. We were in Minnesota, and we hadn't gotten much work done. But we were almost done, so it shouldn't be much of a problem to finish the script, memorize the dialogue, choreograph the blocking, and purchase the props in time to get in a few performances at our biggest show of the year. Right?
Riiight.
We did manage to get in one performance at the Minnesota Renaissance Festival. One. And, with scripts still in hand, no less. We're professionals, we are.
One performance under our belts . . . and Carolina loomed e'er closer in the distance. Yeesch!
One of the first things we do when we finish writing a script is record a read-through, then burn three CDs for us to listen to. This way we can run lines, even without any other Tortugas nearby. It works great, but only if you use it.
 D'Angelo Tortuga as Barack Obama |
 Paris swoons before the brave Achilles |
 The Greeks acutally snuck into Troy in a Chihuahua Plushie |
I like to listen to mine while driving. At first, it's difficult and really should be done with script in hand so you can follow along with the CD. Eventually, you get to a point where you're able to say your lines along with your voice on the recording. But, it's when you're able to say your lines slightly ahead of the "you" coming out of the speakers that you know you've got your lines down. Or, at least, down enough that you can perform your part without making an ass of yourself on stage.
Usually, this works muy fantastic. However, as I said before, you have to use the CD to actually get anywhere with it. I listened to mine while crossing the country from Minnesota to North Carolina . . . somewhat. And I believe the boyz used theirs even less. (If you can believe that.)
So, there we were - first day of the Carolina festival at the 12:15 show with scripts in hand. Ronn gave the audience the choice of watching the brand-new, not-so-ready Troy Story or seeing the tried-and-true Robin Hood show. Of course they picked Troy Story. Wouldn't you? Let me tell ya, it was actually a lot of fun. Both the audience and the Tortugas had a good time.
 Comedy genius is hard work |
 Action, Adventure, and Comedy... Oh My! |
 Hello. My name is Jesus of Troy. You killed my brother. Prepare to die! |
And, an interesting thing happened. As we went along, we got to add the improvs that rocked and drop the jokes that weren't working. We got to see which props looked great and which didn't fly. (Case in point: Ronn's short-lived Paris Hilton wig. Too hot, too difficult to put on & maintain, and too much hair in his face - not a good thing for an actor.) The Carolina audiences have actually had a big hand in our creative process. Now, doesn't that make the rest of you jealous? It should.
Everything is coming along much smoother now. Jef & I are pretty much off book with Ronn not too far behind. We've got better props and costume changes, and it's looking more like a Tortuga Twins show with every performance. I'd even go so far as saying that Troy Story is further along now than any other show we've done in as much performance time.
Thank you one and all for being a genuine part of the Tortuga Magic.
That's all for this month, Tortugaholics. See you in about 30. Until then, grab some Halloween candy for me. Ciao-ciao!
