Fable Cry – PRESHOW RITUALS

In this Preshow Rituals segment, Zach Ferrin of the theatrical scamp rock band, Fable Cry, shares what he does before every show. You can check out his rituals, after the break.

I talk to myself. I find a mirror (hopefully in the green room or bathroom, but often a personal hanging shard we keep dangling in the tour van) and get intimate. After suiting up in the desired drags of the night, I dig through my satchel of miscellaneous necessities and remove the cat from the bag. This “cat” that I speak of is a sock that long since lost its partner, stuffed with creamy makeup of varying colors, sponges, brushes, mustache wax, lipstick, and blood capsules. Sometimes more, sometimes less. I patiently remove the contents and get to work.

As I put my face on and watch myself slowly transform I hum to myself, warming my voice – typically made up melodies, and/or show tunes. Frequent interjections between verses include jokes, stories I want to tell that night, or words of confident (bordering arrogant) encouragement as I leave behind any part of myself that might hinder the night’s performance. Just like performing itself, the costumes and makeup are there to exaggerate what is there without it. I don’t feel that I’m putting on a character or altering who I am, I’m just tilting the balance of my personality in the direction that wants nothing more than to captivate and entertain. I want to thrill much, frighten at least a little, and ultimately leave the audience asking for more.

By the time my face is complete, I’ve metamorphosized into a wicked little butterfly of sorts. At least that’s what I think, and it needs to begin there before I can expect to trick the crowd into it as well. It’s smoke and mirrors, really, but everyone loves magic and, to a degree, being tricked – especially if they come with treats!

I remove myself from the mirror and join the rest of the crew – who has each gone through very similar and very different rituals of their own. We get our respective drinks (typically a gin and tonic for moi), and banter with one another – which mostly includes making sounds and being ridiculous – not too unlike the rest of our interactions, honestly. We reach the stage, exchange glances of camaraderie which varies from smiles to flipping each other off. And then… it’s time to cue the smoke and mirrors!

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