Yes...after a summer of rehearsals/shows/babysitting/computer classes/waitressing or a combination of on most days...I took a vacation!!! My family went up to the beach...Crystal Beach...a place where I spent a good deal of my childhood.
I have wonderful memories of this beach town. I remember spending what seemed like endless days with my sister and my cousins, days of catching what I'm sure were disease ridden toads, swinging on the weeping willow swing, throwing stones at passing cars (my cousin's idea) sneaking popsicles in the morning (again, my cousin) and playing crazy 8's with my beloved little cigar smoking "Papa", who gave me my first nickname "Little One", which was funny because I don't think he was even 5 foot himself.
Every once in a while we would go to the amusement park. Anyone who grew up in this area has the same Crystal Beach Park flashbacks of the following: The Magic Carpet (where you actually got electric shock...fun or what), Yellow Roller Coaster, The Comet ( that I was finally tall enough to go on just before they tore the park down)The Jungle Ride with that disgusting "water" and Laugh in the Dark ( although I think it was spelled Laff... oh Canada) There was the unmistakable laugh of that poorly dressed woman in the front of the ride (sometimes I think I see incarnations of "Laughing Sal" in the oddest places) and of course those Crystal Beach suckers...mmmmm peanut suckers...I think I still have some caught in my back molars.
But I don't remember going to the beach much now that I think about it. I know we did because of lovely/horrifying home movies of my sister and I in matching red bathing suits, but I don't remember. I also don't remember the adults at the time really enjoying themselves. That is a shame ...especially now that I am the so called adult this time around. I mean I cooked and cleaned our cottage like a good adult but I also spent hours at the beach...reading, wading...but mostly just sitting....if that sounds boring to you, re-read my first sentence.
But my favorite part of the vacation was spending priceless time together with my equally busy family. Also the fact that not only am I the "adult"now..I am now the grandma!!!!
These were picture postcard days that I spent with my grandson, my lovey, my little brown eyed boy....little bits of time that I will never forget or ever have to embellish because they. were. perfect. If I'm going to be a grandma...this is the grandma I want to be. We chased seagulls on the beach, we splashed barefoot in puddles in the road after the one welcomed rainy day. We had candy for lunch!!!! I don't remember things like that with my grandma. I'm sure we did stuff...I remember her cooking. She was a great cook! But I guess I really wasn't her favorite ..Legend has it I broke a bowl of hers when I was three or something like that....That must have been some bowl because I heard about it most of my life.
My family was big on favoritism when it came to firstborns which, by no fault of my own, took me out of the game years before I was born. Oh well. So maybe there was candy for lunch at one time...just not for me.
But I do have some fond memories of my grandmother before she passed away at almost 90...she must have forgiven me about the bowl or forgotten (probably the latter...dementia). She was very, very sweet and funny at the end....But I want to be sweet and funny with my grandchildren now. So hopefully as our family grows and my grandchildren (no matter the birth order) spend summers with their "Ga" ( who also never made it to 5 foot)...there will be sweet and funny memories for them and they will think fondly of summers the same way I did and still do. Even if it is only a week...I bet we can squeeze a lot of memories in...like candy for lunch and oh yeah, did I mention he may have tasted pop for the first time....just saying
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Sunday, August 14, 2011
kiss today goodbye...
I find it kind of funny that my first show blog was titled after a song from Chorus Line (remember, God I hope I get it...) and here is my last show blog and I'm using a song from the same show. Believe me, I didn't do it on purpose, I'm not that insightful nor clever, but it is fitting. If you don't know or have never seen Chorus Line...first of all...shame on you. I remember being obsessed with that show in high school and getting the album (ha ha album...at least I didn't say 8 track) for a graduation present. I also remember someone, in a greater economic household (rich kid) than the one I grew up, in getting tickets to see the show on Broadway. What. Ever...I got there eventually, like 8 years later, standing room tickets...but I got there! Anyway the show is about the love of being a dancer/ being in shows and how these people couldn't dream of doing anything else but. What would you do if you couldn't do this anymore...maybe, grow up...nnnnaaaahhh!
The whole process of the summer show kind of brought me back to that feeling. How else would I spend the bulk of my summer. Why wouldn't I spend every night in a hot, stuffy auditorium, dealing with sound issues, actor issues, lighting issues, actor issues, costume issues and constanly putting out little fires (not literally, thank God)? I do it because of the love and because of the events of these last 3 nights...the show nights!!!
Opening night!!!!...my stomach is in knots...not little shoelace knots, big rope knots that you have to be a boy scout or a sailor to untie....The dress rehearsal went kind of "eh"....some tech problems, some lack luster performances but after 6, count 'em, 6 yummy rum drinks and a couple of shots I realized....I've done all I can. (slur the words this time) I've done all I can....
All three shows were just incredible and so well received by our practically sold out crowds (small auditorium = sold out shows) People were coming out of the rafters to say "this was one of the best shows we ever saw" "I go to these things all the time and this was the greatest one I can remember seeing" "that was so creative, who build the sets, who does the dances, where do the costumes come from?" "Where do you find these kids with these unbelievable voices?" "This was so good , it must have been so much work...I give you a lot of credit"
I can only take credit for surrounding myself with great people who know what they're doing and maybe a bit or two on stage that got a laugh. (what can I say...I know funny). The closing night finale ...the song "Home" which gets to me anyway...got me good that night. Seeing all those faces on stage, hearing their beautiful voices with the beautiful orchestra behind them was one of those moments. Thirty-five years ago...yes 35 (what's worse reading it spelled out or seeing the numbers)...I was one of those kids on stage having that moment. Not to be schmaltzy..it truly changed my life. I became one of those people that had to find some way to include the love of the stage in my life. It seems like I'm a carrier too because I've passed it on to my kids ...and our pets evidently. Louie/Toto who would not get off the stage the last night of the show.
I'm very lucky to be able to do what I love to do and to help these kids find their way. I heard some comments over the last few days of how this experience has changed their life and this opportunity has given them so much more confidence in themselves and how they feel like they are now a part of something bigger. Well if that isn't "what I did for love"...I don't know what is.
So there you have it ..."point me toward tomorrow." There will be another show next summer...but for now I guess I will have to think of some new topics to blog about. The fact that I work at a school and also in a restaurant will supply me with some fodder I'm sure. Plus, I am a wife, a mother, a sister, a daughter AND a gr gr grandmother(still hard to believe and to say out loud) ...there's volumes right there. Not to mention that I on a daily basis I shake my fist at the heavens because of some moron who refuses to go after I've waved them on at a 4 way stop sign that they were clearly at before I was but has to, in turn, wave me on even though they were there first...OY!...we got TONS to talk about....just saying.
The whole process of the summer show kind of brought me back to that feeling. How else would I spend the bulk of my summer. Why wouldn't I spend every night in a hot, stuffy auditorium, dealing with sound issues, actor issues, lighting issues, actor issues, costume issues and constanly putting out little fires (not literally, thank God)? I do it because of the love and because of the events of these last 3 nights...the show nights!!!
Opening night!!!!...my stomach is in knots...not little shoelace knots, big rope knots that you have to be a boy scout or a sailor to untie....The dress rehearsal went kind of "eh"....some tech problems, some lack luster performances but after 6, count 'em, 6 yummy rum drinks and a couple of shots I realized....I've done all I can. (slur the words this time) I've done all I can....
All three shows were just incredible and so well received by our practically sold out crowds (small auditorium = sold out shows) People were coming out of the rafters to say "this was one of the best shows we ever saw" "I go to these things all the time and this was the greatest one I can remember seeing" "that was so creative, who build the sets, who does the dances, where do the costumes come from?" "Where do you find these kids with these unbelievable voices?" "This was so good , it must have been so much work...I give you a lot of credit"
I can only take credit for surrounding myself with great people who know what they're doing and maybe a bit or two on stage that got a laugh. (what can I say...I know funny). The closing night finale ...the song "Home" which gets to me anyway...got me good that night. Seeing all those faces on stage, hearing their beautiful voices with the beautiful orchestra behind them was one of those moments. Thirty-five years ago...yes 35 (what's worse reading it spelled out or seeing the numbers)...I was one of those kids on stage having that moment. Not to be schmaltzy..it truly changed my life. I became one of those people that had to find some way to include the love of the stage in my life. It seems like I'm a carrier too because I've passed it on to my kids ...and our pets evidently. Louie/Toto who would not get off the stage the last night of the show.
I'm very lucky to be able to do what I love to do and to help these kids find their way. I heard some comments over the last few days of how this experience has changed their life and this opportunity has given them so much more confidence in themselves and how they feel like they are now a part of something bigger. Well if that isn't "what I did for love"...I don't know what is.
So there you have it ..."point me toward tomorrow." There will be another show next summer...but for now I guess I will have to think of some new topics to blog about. The fact that I work at a school and also in a restaurant will supply me with some fodder I'm sure. Plus, I am a wife, a mother, a sister, a daughter AND a gr gr grandmother(still hard to believe and to say out loud) ...there's volumes right there. Not to mention that I on a daily basis I shake my fist at the heavens because of some moron who refuses to go after I've waved them on at a 4 way stop sign that they were clearly at before I was but has to, in turn, wave me on even though they were there first...OY!...we got TONS to talk about....just saying.
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
like no business I know....
It's show time folks....how do you like that. I knew it was coming, I had it on my calendar and on my "to do" list......this week, don't forget to: buy toothpaste, pay car insurance, put on 3 shows.
I think we may be ready....but I digress.
Last Saturday we had our all day / first day with costumes and technical rehearsal. Okay..house lights down, overture ...sounds great..... aaaaaaaand go.
I can't see the actors
Well they are not standing where the lights are
Then put some more lights on
There aren't any more lights
I know there are....I've seen them...what I don't see ARE THE ACTORS!!!!!
So instead of doing the entire show stage right where all the lights are.....let's move some things around, shall we.
DONE
Why is the yellow brick road/forest backdrop in the middle of Emerald City?
There is no place else to put it and you okayed it that it should say on
(God, what else did I say okay to..?)
Well I don't like it ....can we cover it with green ...you know emerald green...like the city
I guess we can get some material and fly it but the bar will show when we drop it down
So the bar will show...the jig is up kids, people know it's not really Oz...it's community theatre.
DONE
When Dorothy and company (the Fab Four as I call them) goes to meet the Wiz....where is the gatekeeper going to be....wasn't he going to be like a jack in the box...keeping with our toy theme?
We can't find a box big enough for him...
Can we use the big chair we have and cover it?
We would have to cover half of it and then have someone take it apart for the next scene
Hey, that window set that was built for the first scene with Uncle Henry and Aunt Em...can we maybe
use that ...its green and with the Emerald City sign....maybe
DONE
So that was Saturday....I went home to shave my head but decided to color all the greys out of my hair ...
So Monday.... t minus 3 days.....
WE HAVE LIGHTS....WE HAVE EMERALD CITY....WE HAVE A GATEKEEPER SET
Thank you Thank you Thank you theater gods....and theater mortals (our set builder in particular)
I definitely have a little less of a stomach ache. And you know what else happened....
WE HAVE A LION!!!!
Our "little lion man" was told day one of rehearsal that he was moved up from chorus boy to lead when our
original lion was unable to commit to the show. Day after day - week after week..it was "try it like this"
or "roar like that" , "you have to give it just a little more" "what can I do to help you...maybe when you get your costume on"...
Well it was clearly my awesome direction and leadership (sarcasm) or most likely it was in him all along
but I think it was just SHOW WEEK.....he's a LION. I kind of want to cry, he is that good!
He is now on the same level as the rest of the Fab Four, who are kind of more seasoned performers (all under the age of 21 that is) I can't be prouder of the four of them and the work they've done and it's not just because they are the "leads". It's something that's in them and I can see it in a few others too.
I hadn't planned on giving THE SPEECH yet, but on Monday I felt I had to. THE SPEECH is about respect...the obvious:
Respect the directorate (you'd think that'd be a given) all the directorate or any adult who has volunteered countless hours for that matter. Here's an example, if the assistant director gives a direction ...do it ...he is just a "taller, lankier " version of me (his words)...so listen to him!...
Respect the crew and orchestra ...we are no where without them ...
Respect the venue..our small, sweaty, semi-equipt home...we are LUCKY to be there..so keep it clean, pick up after yourselves and other if you have to.
But most of all respect the craft. Respect why we are all here. Respect the love we have for this "business". Respect that feeling, you know, the one we don't talk about but I know we all have. It absolutely takes my breath away and I never want that feeling to go away. To watch a show is one thing, but to be a part of this process is amazing. To take it from the angst of auditions to the curtain call (which makes me cry...every time, don't tell anyone, it'll ruin my image) is a roller coaster of indescribable emotions.
Respecting the craft is respecting yourself and your fellow cast members. We are so lucky to have "this" inside of us. Others would rather die than to perform in front of a crowd of people...we would die not to. There's no people like show people....
So I still have a bit of a stomach ache and less grey hair and I know at this point it is kind of out of my hands. I did get my annual back handed compliment though..."I can't believe you pulled this off..it's actually really good..."(um, thanks.) So that being said...I guess we're ready to go.. so, let's go on with the show ...just saying.
I think we may be ready....but I digress.
Last Saturday we had our all day / first day with costumes and technical rehearsal. Okay..house lights down, overture ...sounds great..... aaaaaaaand go.
I can't see the actors
Well they are not standing where the lights are
Then put some more lights on
There aren't any more lights
I know there are....I've seen them...what I don't see ARE THE ACTORS!!!!!
So instead of doing the entire show stage right where all the lights are.....let's move some things around, shall we.
DONE
Why is the yellow brick road/forest backdrop in the middle of Emerald City?
There is no place else to put it and you okayed it that it should say on
(God, what else did I say okay to..?)
Well I don't like it ....can we cover it with green ...you know emerald green...like the city
I guess we can get some material and fly it but the bar will show when we drop it down
So the bar will show...the jig is up kids, people know it's not really Oz...it's community theatre.
DONE
When Dorothy and company (the Fab Four as I call them) goes to meet the Wiz....where is the gatekeeper going to be....wasn't he going to be like a jack in the box...keeping with our toy theme?
We can't find a box big enough for him...
Can we use the big chair we have and cover it?
We would have to cover half of it and then have someone take it apart for the next scene
Hey, that window set that was built for the first scene with Uncle Henry and Aunt Em...can we maybe
use that ...its green and with the Emerald City sign....maybe
DONE
So that was Saturday....I went home to shave my head but decided to color all the greys out of my hair ...
So Monday.... t minus 3 days.....
WE HAVE LIGHTS....WE HAVE EMERALD CITY....WE HAVE A GATEKEEPER SET
Thank you Thank you Thank you theater gods....and theater mortals (our set builder in particular)
I definitely have a little less of a stomach ache. And you know what else happened....
WE HAVE A LION!!!!
Our "little lion man" was told day one of rehearsal that he was moved up from chorus boy to lead when our
original lion was unable to commit to the show. Day after day - week after week..it was "try it like this"
or "roar like that" , "you have to give it just a little more" "what can I do to help you...maybe when you get your costume on"...
Well it was clearly my awesome direction and leadership (sarcasm) or most likely it was in him all along
but I think it was just SHOW WEEK.....he's a LION. I kind of want to cry, he is that good!
He is now on the same level as the rest of the Fab Four, who are kind of more seasoned performers (all under the age of 21 that is) I can't be prouder of the four of them and the work they've done and it's not just because they are the "leads". It's something that's in them and I can see it in a few others too.
I hadn't planned on giving THE SPEECH yet, but on Monday I felt I had to. THE SPEECH is about respect...the obvious:
Respect the directorate (you'd think that'd be a given) all the directorate or any adult who has volunteered countless hours for that matter. Here's an example, if the assistant director gives a direction ...do it ...he is just a "taller, lankier " version of me (his words)...so listen to him!...
Respect the crew and orchestra ...we are no where without them ...
Respect the venue..our small, sweaty, semi-equipt home...we are LUCKY to be there..so keep it clean, pick up after yourselves and other if you have to.
But most of all respect the craft. Respect why we are all here. Respect the love we have for this "business". Respect that feeling, you know, the one we don't talk about but I know we all have. It absolutely takes my breath away and I never want that feeling to go away. To watch a show is one thing, but to be a part of this process is amazing. To take it from the angst of auditions to the curtain call (which makes me cry...every time, don't tell anyone, it'll ruin my image) is a roller coaster of indescribable emotions.
Respecting the craft is respecting yourself and your fellow cast members. We are so lucky to have "this" inside of us. Others would rather die than to perform in front of a crowd of people...we would die not to. There's no people like show people....
So I still have a bit of a stomach ache and less grey hair and I know at this point it is kind of out of my hands. I did get my annual back handed compliment though..."I can't believe you pulled this off..it's actually really good..."(um, thanks.) So that being said...I guess we're ready to go.. so, let's go on with the show ...just saying.
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