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.
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Everything's gonna be alright....right?
DON'T PANIC!!!!...Everything is going to be just fine. ( I shouldn't take it as a bad omen that I misspelled "fine" when I first wrote this, right?) I keep repeating these phrases like a mantra. I said it when only 1/2 of the microphones we have work. I said it again when our awesome orchestra leader came to me and said "I don't think we are all going to fit in the pit". Oh yeah and when our awesome orchestra played and when we couldn't hear the singing even with the working microphones...I may have said it again.
I definitely said it when I made a list of thing we don't have yet. The list of things we need is quite eclectic...a bed for Dorothy, anything resembling the Wiz's balloon for his grand exit, flying monkey outfits, Emerald City costumes and condoms (yes, condoms) oh yeah and that one scene doesn't really work ....we need to re choreograph it.... and this list keeps growing .
But you know, everything will be just fine. We have various wonderfully talented people working on the construction of beds and balloons. People are sewing, dying or ordering (what I would do) costumes. Condoms....it has something to do with the sound and the mics and apparently we need extra large ones..you go girl....I received an email earlier today that the condoms were purchased...buy one get one"half off " too!!! Now its been a while since I, myself, actually bought any ...but half-off condoms don't seem too reliable to me. But what do I know....
I have been busy dancing! I danced, pranced and posed all around my living room for a few hours last night playing all the parts of the Emerald City ensemble ( I really have to get curtains for my living room window ...) and now we have that dance to re-learn 11 days before opening night...11 DAYS!!!
Don't Panic...everything is g....I can't say it anymore...did I mention my hair is falling out...I am definitely stressing..this next week is EVERYTHING! My hope for next week is that all our costumes are done especially the Tin Man's pants...which right now look like they were made for the Tin Boy....tight you ask?...we may have to charge more than $8 a ticket and raise the audience age to 18 and older .
I also hope that our microphones vs the orchestra situation comes out win/win. Everyone has worked too hard to not hear every aspect of the score, instrumentally and vocally! I hope the audience in our little tiny auditorium won't have to have that "I couldn't hear the singers" look on their "God it's hot in here" faces.
I hope our lights...wait..lights? ...up until now our lights have been either on or off...I'm sure there will be more of a lighting design, right?....don't panic!!!
I do though, hope some of my panic is shared by the cast . As of our last rehearsal, our fabulous cast of 15 is really just that.. fabulous! They know their lines, they know their entrances and exits and all their cues. The problem is there are roughly 35 people in the cast. Those 15 to 20 people need to turn it up a few 100 notches. The funny part about this whole deal is I know they will. They will make me so proud and some will even surprise me. Plus, I know the costumes will be great, as will the lights and the sound... well...I'm never confident about the sound. The sound is so important and I am admittedly out of element with the sound equipment (see condoms). We have been in 3 different venues and had 3 different sound boards with 3 different groups of sound people -we still have the sound issues. One thing that is always the constant....this scenario...
Me: I couldn't hear them all at on this song
Sound Person: Oh, they must have forgot to turn their mic on.....
Seriously. Every. Year.
A few years back I was watching the Tony Awards ( a high holiday in my house) and their sound sucked ...(Mr. Broderick is your mic turned on?) . Well if the TONY's can't do it ....am I expecting too much?
See, I don't think so ...I really think everything is going to be alright. I think our little Toto is going to make it all the way across the stage with out urinating or worse. I think our Emerald City is going to be gorgeously green and clothed. I think we are going to have full houses every comfortably cool night....I think the theatre gods will be watching over us the next 2 weeks. I just hope my black curls will be intact right through to the last curtain call and maybe even the cast party...just saying
I definitely said it when I made a list of thing we don't have yet. The list of things we need is quite eclectic...a bed for Dorothy, anything resembling the Wiz's balloon for his grand exit, flying monkey outfits, Emerald City costumes and condoms (yes, condoms) oh yeah and that one scene doesn't really work ....we need to re choreograph it.... and this list keeps growing .
But you know, everything will be just fine. We have various wonderfully talented people working on the construction of beds and balloons. People are sewing, dying or ordering (what I would do) costumes. Condoms....it has something to do with the sound and the mics and apparently we need extra large ones..you go girl....I received an email earlier today that the condoms were purchased...buy one get one"half off " too!!! Now its been a while since I, myself, actually bought any ...but half-off condoms don't seem too reliable to me. But what do I know....
I have been busy dancing! I danced, pranced and posed all around my living room for a few hours last night playing all the parts of the Emerald City ensemble ( I really have to get curtains for my living room window ...) and now we have that dance to re-learn 11 days before opening night...11 DAYS!!!
Don't Panic...everything is g....I can't say it anymore...did I mention my hair is falling out...I am definitely stressing..this next week is EVERYTHING! My hope for next week is that all our costumes are done especially the Tin Man's pants...which right now look like they were made for the Tin Boy....tight you ask?...we may have to charge more than $8 a ticket and raise the audience age to 18 and older .
I also hope that our microphones vs the orchestra situation comes out win/win. Everyone has worked too hard to not hear every aspect of the score, instrumentally and vocally! I hope the audience in our little tiny auditorium won't have to have that "I couldn't hear the singers" look on their "God it's hot in here" faces.
I hope our lights...wait..lights? ...up until now our lights have been either on or off...I'm sure there will be more of a lighting design, right?....don't panic!!!
I do though, hope some of my panic is shared by the cast . As of our last rehearsal, our fabulous cast of 15 is really just that.. fabulous! They know their lines, they know their entrances and exits and all their cues. The problem is there are roughly 35 people in the cast. Those 15 to 20 people need to turn it up a few 100 notches. The funny part about this whole deal is I know they will. They will make me so proud and some will even surprise me. Plus, I know the costumes will be great, as will the lights and the sound... well...I'm never confident about the sound. The sound is so important and I am admittedly out of element with the sound equipment (see condoms). We have been in 3 different venues and had 3 different sound boards with 3 different groups of sound people -we still have the sound issues. One thing that is always the constant....this scenario...
Me: I couldn't hear them all at on this song
Sound Person: Oh, they must have forgot to turn their mic on.....
Seriously. Every. Year.
A few years back I was watching the Tony Awards ( a high holiday in my house) and their sound sucked ...(Mr. Broderick is your mic turned on?) . Well if the TONY's can't do it ....am I expecting too much?
See, I don't think so ...I really think everything is going to be alright. I think our little Toto is going to make it all the way across the stage with out urinating or worse. I think our Emerald City is going to be gorgeously green and clothed. I think we are going to have full houses every comfortably cool night....I think the theatre gods will be watching over us the next 2 weeks. I just hope my black curls will be intact right through to the last curtain call and maybe even the cast party...just saying
Friday, July 22, 2011
Ohhhh....We're half way there
Oh Bon Jovi..."living on a prayer" never meant more to me. Okay so I haven't started the heavy duty praying yet, but every time the phone rings and I see it's from our tech/set director...I say a little prayer to the theatre saint...(I'm assuming Saint Liza?) But that's what happens when you are half way there. Also every summer about half way there, we get a heat wave....and this year it's a HEAT WAVE!!!! It's about 90 degrees out and 9000 degrees on stage...it's "hot as balls" under those lights. But here's what I love...those kids that are up there, sweating like crazy, giving it their all in that little HOT auditorium.
Now mind you, that is not all of them. In fact, there are some that I want to remind that they did actually audition for this show a month or so ago and supposedly want to be in the show....I don't thing anyone is up there against their will with the exception of Louie, my daughter's Pom who is playing the part of Toto. But even Louie will perform for a treat... who wouldn't! But the point is, we have a job to do, a job we all signed up for. I know it's hot and we are at the putting it together part and not everyone is in all the scenes all the time....but when you are up there- act...ACT!!!
I just keep thinking back to my days (I warned you before that I was going to talk about ...."when I was in shows.....") I just loved every minute of the process....we used to watch the scenes we weren't in....we knew the show by heart....I hated the days when they didn't need us...and when I wasn't there....the songs/choreography were running always through my head as I was serving cheeseburger combo platters at Sambo's (an unfortunate name for an unfortunate restaurant). I am happy to say that I think I see glimmers of those kinds of kids....those little surprises that you give a little part to ( flying monkey) and they take it to new heights ( no pun intended).
Here's another thing that happens when you're half way there....the sets and the costumes start to come together....we see what works and what doesn't. The lights and the sound problems are just 'blossoming" (more on that later) also blossoming are the little friendships and the ever popular summer crushes (another of my personal favorites). I love those little connections people make....romantic or otherwise. It was those fabulous summers that I met the people who are still in my life today. People who I have been through life changing events with and that's what happened half way there....but half way there also means that we are a week away from a week aways from the week of the show.....WHAT???
Next week and the week after the temperature may not be as high as it's been but it is certainly going to be hell. The week before the week before the show has been affectionately coined Bitch Week. People start to panic...people snap when asked a question....people are nasty and stressed ...and by people I mean me. I've warned everyone ...they are aware...that's all I am going to say about it right now....because it maybe this year will be different ....maybe it won't be so bad....maybe I'll be optimistic...maybe I'm half way there....just saying
Now mind you, that is not all of them. In fact, there are some that I want to remind that they did actually audition for this show a month or so ago and supposedly want to be in the show....I don't thing anyone is up there against their will with the exception of Louie, my daughter's Pom who is playing the part of Toto. But even Louie will perform for a treat... who wouldn't! But the point is, we have a job to do, a job we all signed up for. I know it's hot and we are at the putting it together part and not everyone is in all the scenes all the time....but when you are up there- act...ACT!!!
I just keep thinking back to my days (I warned you before that I was going to talk about ...."when I was in shows.....") I just loved every minute of the process....we used to watch the scenes we weren't in....we knew the show by heart....I hated the days when they didn't need us...and when I wasn't there....the songs/choreography were running always through my head as I was serving cheeseburger combo platters at Sambo's (an unfortunate name for an unfortunate restaurant). I am happy to say that I think I see glimmers of those kinds of kids....those little surprises that you give a little part to ( flying monkey) and they take it to new heights ( no pun intended).
Here's another thing that happens when you're half way there....the sets and the costumes start to come together....we see what works and what doesn't. The lights and the sound problems are just 'blossoming" (more on that later) also blossoming are the little friendships and the ever popular summer crushes (another of my personal favorites). I love those little connections people make....romantic or otherwise. It was those fabulous summers that I met the people who are still in my life today. People who I have been through life changing events with and that's what happened half way there....but half way there also means that we are a week away from a week aways from the week of the show.....WHAT???
Next week and the week after the temperature may not be as high as it's been but it is certainly going to be hell. The week before the week before the show has been affectionately coined Bitch Week. People start to panic...people snap when asked a question....people are nasty and stressed ...and by people I mean me. I've warned everyone ...they are aware...that's all I am going to say about it right now....because it maybe this year will be different ....maybe it won't be so bad....maybe I'll be optimistic...maybe I'm half way there....just saying
Saturday, July 9, 2011
I heart first week of rehearsal!
Okay, I'll have to remember to go back and read this blog in 3 or 4 weeks when I am pacing the floor at 3 AM wondering how are we going to pull this off....? But until then, I have to say how much I love, love, love rehearsal...week one! There is a buzz.....an excitement that is part enthusiasm part naivety....I love seeing the kids....some old faces and some new...all ready to go...and them seeing me not as a semi scary person in the back of the auditorium during auditions...but as their leader...their director, the one who is going to make sure the show will be awesome, the. best. show. ever ....oh, that must be the naive part....
But honestly, there is something so special about everyone meeting each other and learning their parts and who is who. I so enjoy handing out little solos and lines ( that was always my personal favorite when I was in these shows "Mr Detroit hasn't been in all night" ) For the second time in 4 shows I got to enjoy handing a major part over to the understudy!!! WHAT? The look of pride, excitement, fear and nausea on our new cowardly lion's face was priceless. I have to say the last two expressions (fear and nausea) were on my face also. This is a brand new member of our group He was good, right? ..I think he sang an Elton John song...who is he again?...but as week one went on....I already know he can do it!!!! See, there is something magical about week one!
This year, though, I am not being fooled by the magic of week one, I am trying to be realistic and learn from my mistakes ( or at least try to make different ones). I am learning that even though we have the WHOLE SUMMER AHEAD OF US (5 weeks Monday-Friday from 6 to 9 and some Saturdays) I am not going to "take on" or "okay " any major projects or outside the box ideas that are going to soak up all of our resources (financial, emotional, etc). We will call them Energy Suckers/
ENERGY SUCKER EXAMPLE 1: Two years ago, we did GREASE....I told all the kids NOT to watch the movie because its just an John Travolta;/Olivia Newton John gig...half the songs aren't even in it ...blah blah blah ...we can do better than that. But not listening to my own advice, I thought how cool to have a drive in on the stage "just like in the movie" Doh!
I spent hours ...days looking on you tube for the video clip of the little hot dog jumping through the hoop...and the dancing sodas....LOVE IT. I looked for some horror movie clips to put on there too. I had all my best people on it..I was obsessed... I drove my technical director absolutely crazy...
So we set up a computer, lowered a screen and while Danny Zuko sang "Stranded at the Drive-In" (not Sandy like in the movie, see) he would be singing in front of those adorable little hot dogs jumping through those cute little hoops....Right?
Okay, so it worked 2 out of the 3 shows. I think 2 people came up to me and said that drive in thing was cool (one of them was my dad)...for all that time and energy AND the night it didn't work ...still haunts me....I'm not pointing fingers, even though I know whose fault it actually was...I always take the blame!
So when someone comes up to me with an idea that I know will be an Energy Sucker....I say "great idea" ..."I love it" ( remember I was an actor too) but let's see if we need to spend $300 dollars (that we don't have) on a certain light or a motorized whatever and 300 hours of crew time on a 30 seconds part of the show that maybe my dad will think is cool.
BUT....
I still love the enthusiasm -I still love, love, love week one of rehearsal....I'm just trying to prevent the fires I will be putting out in 3 or 4 weeks when I am pacing the floor at 3 AM.......just saying
But honestly, there is something so special about everyone meeting each other and learning their parts and who is who. I so enjoy handing out little solos and lines ( that was always my personal favorite when I was in these shows "Mr Detroit hasn't been in all night" ) For the second time in 4 shows I got to enjoy handing a major part over to the understudy!!! WHAT? The look of pride, excitement, fear and nausea on our new cowardly lion's face was priceless. I have to say the last two expressions (fear and nausea) were on my face also. This is a brand new member of our group He was good, right? ..I think he sang an Elton John song...who is he again?...but as week one went on....I already know he can do it!!!! See, there is something magical about week one!
This year, though, I am not being fooled by the magic of week one, I am trying to be realistic and learn from my mistakes ( or at least try to make different ones). I am learning that even though we have the WHOLE SUMMER AHEAD OF US (5 weeks Monday-Friday from 6 to 9 and some Saturdays) I am not going to "take on" or "okay " any major projects or outside the box ideas that are going to soak up all of our resources (financial, emotional, etc). We will call them Energy Suckers/
ENERGY SUCKER EXAMPLE 1: Two years ago, we did GREASE....I told all the kids NOT to watch the movie because its just an John Travolta;/Olivia Newton John gig...half the songs aren't even in it ...blah blah blah ...we can do better than that. But not listening to my own advice, I thought how cool to have a drive in on the stage "just like in the movie" Doh!
I spent hours ...days looking on you tube for the video clip of the little hot dog jumping through the hoop...and the dancing sodas....LOVE IT. I looked for some horror movie clips to put on there too. I had all my best people on it..I was obsessed... I drove my technical director absolutely crazy...
So we set up a computer, lowered a screen and while Danny Zuko sang "Stranded at the Drive-In" (not Sandy like in the movie, see) he would be singing in front of those adorable little hot dogs jumping through those cute little hoops....Right?
Okay, so it worked 2 out of the 3 shows. I think 2 people came up to me and said that drive in thing was cool (one of them was my dad)...for all that time and energy AND the night it didn't work ...still haunts me....I'm not pointing fingers, even though I know whose fault it actually was...I always take the blame!
So when someone comes up to me with an idea that I know will be an Energy Sucker....I say "great idea" ..."I love it" ( remember I was an actor too) but let's see if we need to spend $300 dollars (that we don't have) on a certain light or a motorized whatever and 300 hours of crew time on a 30 seconds part of the show that maybe my dad will think is cool.
BUT....
I still love the enthusiasm -I still love, love, love week one of rehearsal....I'm just trying to prevent the fires I will be putting out in 3 or 4 weeks when I am pacing the floor at 3 AM.......just saying
Sunday, June 26, 2011
off off off off off off Broadway
Let me first start by saying I am pretty realistic about my position as director of a community youth theater...oops I mean theatre. I know we have limited resources, but we have a lot of talent and even more enthusiasm. I take my job seriously... quite seriously...I even have the occasional "the show is not ready" nightmare. But I know my job is mainly to facilitate a bunch of wonderful kids who love theatre as much as I do and want to put on a great show. But like I said, I'm realistic. We are as far off Broadway as you can get (we're not even close to the Broadway market) but that's okay...that's the reality. I think we do a great job with what we got...and I am in no way talking about the talent. These kids blow me away sometimes...they are truly awesome. The trick of surrounding yourself with talented people works like a charm.
I guess the point I'm trying to make is that in my almost 4 years as director I have encountered the occasional eye roll, more than one phony polite smile/nods from some snobs after the show...let's see, there was the question about my credentials ( I will address that later) and recently, I was FaceBook slammed.
I was blatantly dissed on a FaceBook page. I was accused of butchering a show ..it was suggested "they' get rid of me...(who ever "they" are)..and even attacked my choreographer ( who happens to be my wildly talented daughter who has been doing this waaaaay longer than I have). Not since Julie Taymor and the whole Spider Man musical mess, has a director been so abused!!! (yes..I am making that comparison... I'm being realistic, remember) But like the multi-million dollar Broadway debacle...the "bad press" has caused a windfall of interest and tons and tons of support from theatre lovers near and far. So there...if I can verbally stick my tongue out at my critic ...I would!!!!!
Now I am empowered to put on a the BEST SHOW EVER (which is my intention every year anyway). When I was the"director" of my kids talent show in elementary school, I was up at all hours trying to figure out the right line up of acts to make the show more entertaining. And we are talking about acts like a boy standing on the stage telling us everything he knows about snakes....I kid you not, that was an act.
So you see...I do take my job as director very seriously! So what if it's an off off off off off off Broadway musical...I think we do a great job...hey I've seen shitty shows at Shea's (alliteration... bonus!!!). I do appreciate all the support form people who enjoy the process as well as the product. It's all about the journey ...this one just happens to be down a yellow brick road... And as for my credentials.... I have sat through a lot of BAD shows ( but would never dream of criticizing them publicly).....AND I have Shea's season tickets...so suck on that haters..... just saying...
I guess the point I'm trying to make is that in my almost 4 years as director I have encountered the occasional eye roll, more than one phony polite smile/nods from some snobs after the show...let's see, there was the question about my credentials ( I will address that later) and recently, I was FaceBook slammed.
I was blatantly dissed on a FaceBook page. I was accused of butchering a show ..it was suggested "they' get rid of me...(who ever "they" are)..and even attacked my choreographer ( who happens to be my wildly talented daughter who has been doing this waaaaay longer than I have). Not since Julie Taymor and the whole Spider Man musical mess, has a director been so abused!!! (yes..I am making that comparison... I'm being realistic, remember) But like the multi-million dollar Broadway debacle...the "bad press" has caused a windfall of interest and tons and tons of support from theatre lovers near and far. So there...if I can verbally stick my tongue out at my critic ...I would!!!!!
Now I am empowered to put on a the BEST SHOW EVER (which is my intention every year anyway). When I was the"director" of my kids talent show in elementary school, I was up at all hours trying to figure out the right line up of acts to make the show more entertaining. And we are talking about acts like a boy standing on the stage telling us everything he knows about snakes....I kid you not, that was an act.
So you see...I do take my job as director very seriously! So what if it's an off off off off off off Broadway musical...I think we do a great job...hey I've seen shitty shows at Shea's (alliteration... bonus!!!). I do appreciate all the support form people who enjoy the process as well as the product. It's all about the journey ...this one just happens to be down a yellow brick road... And as for my credentials.... I have sat through a lot of BAD shows ( but would never dream of criticizing them publicly).....AND I have Shea's season tickets...so suck on that haters..... just saying...
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