East Texas actors prepare for ArtsView’s 24 Hour Musical

LONGVIEW, Texas (KLTV) - East Texas actors are preparing for a musical that will take over the next 24 hours of their lives.

ArtsView is producing its fourth annual 24 Hour Musical, a production actors and audiences will not know much about until they arrive.

The show involves 24 hours, one Broadway musical and 51 actors.

“This is the biggest group project you will ever be a part of. Unlike many group projects where one person is doing everything and everyone else is taking a nap...that doesn’t happen here.”

Actors will not know if they need a magical wand, a larger-than-life goldfish or an actual musical instrument until the curtain opens. From that moment, they have 24 hours to perfect their musical.

Cast auditioned without knowing the show

The cast auditioned in May without knowing what production they were auditioning for.

“Everyone loses their mind cause they’re like, ‘Oh that’s what I was hoping it would be!’ or ‘Oh I didn’t even consider that.’”

Around 20 people currently know the show title. They signed non-disclosure agreements and have worked quietly on props, costumes and music over the past four months.

“We don’t get to try these costumes on. We get one shot. We are completely costuming the show based on their forms. We have about an hour and a half for alterations and we can’t alter all 49 costumes!”

Actors prepare without knowing their roles

Actors awaiting their roles are preparing in the only way they can.

“I put as many musical songs as I can on a playlist, I hit shuffle and I just try to learn all of them. And then I show up and realize I spent six hours on a show I shouldn’t have.”

“It’s probably the most challenging theatrical experience you can take on.”

Participants say the process explores every emotion.

“It’s the whole human experience. You have tears, you have laughter, you have doubt, you have struggle, you have triumph! It is the best of what art can be.”