Patrick N Jordan

The Magic of the Sitzprobe: Looking Ahead to Tomorrow with Sunset Boulevard

A Time-Honored Tradition -

Theatre has many traditions, and one of the most unique is the sitzprobe. The word comes from 19th-century German opera houses, literally meaning “seated rehearsal.” It was the moment when the singers and orchestra sat down together for the first time to focus only on the music. No sets, no costumes, no choreography—just the raw connection between voice and orchestra.

That tradition hasn’t changed much in more than a century. Every time a cast gathers for a sitzprobe, they are stepping into the same experience performers have had for generations: the first moment when the music is fully revealed.

Why It Matters -

For weeks, we’ve rehearsed Sunset Boulevard at Davis Musical Theatre Company with just piano accompaniment. The piano holds everything together, of course, but it’s not the same as the orchestra. A single instrument can’t capture the richness of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s score—its sweeping strings, pulsing drums, brassy accents, and subtle woodwinds.

Tomorrow, that changes. Tomorrow night, the score will come alive. For the cast, it’s like opening a door into a new world. For me personally, it’s “ear candy”—finally hearing the full color and texture of the music.

A Musician’s Perspective -

As someone who has spent years playing guitar and performing live, I know how fulfilling it is to create music in real time. There’s a power in live sound that recordings or rehearsals can’t match. A live orchestra fills the room differently—it’s physical, emotional, and deeply inspiring.

That’s what makes tomorrow so special. Not every theatre has the privilege of a live orchestra, and I don’t take it for granted. It’s a gift, and I’m eager to hear how it transforms everything we’ve been working on.

Character Through Music -

I’m also looking forward to what the orchestra will teach me about Joe Gillis, the character I’m stepping into. Music often reveals character in ways that dialogue alone cannot. The underscoring, the swells, the dissonance—all of it speaks to who Joe is, what he’s feeling, and how his journey connects with the audience.

When the orchestra plays, I expect I’ll hear things in the score that open up new insights into Joe’s world. That’s part of the beauty of the sitzprobe—it’s not just rehearsal, it’s revelation.

Always Magic -

For me, being part of a sitzprobe is also about being part of the bigger story of theatre. From those first German opera houses to Broadway to our community theatre here in Davis, the tradition is the same. Theatre never really changes. It’s always fulfilling. Always magic.

And tomorrow night, I get to sit right in the middle of that magic.

Come See the Show!

If you want to experience that magic for yourself, come see Sunset Boulevard at Davis Musical Theatre Company. We open September 5th and run through the 28th. Andrew Lloyd Webber’s sweeping score, a live orchestra, and a cast that has poured their hearts into this story—it’s going to be unforgettable!

Tickets: https://dmtc.vbotickets.com/events