Gorgeous!!!

This weather is wonderful! I love this time of year! It gives me such amazing energy- I want to go everywhere and do everything and at the same time I am completely content to do nothing but sit and daydream in the sunshine. It is also that time of year when the summer show gets into full swing. It is time to start advertising auditions and filtering questions like, "I'm going to be gone the entire month of June, but I'd really like to do the show." Yea, that is a real one. I want to start B & B now, I am so gung-ho! Gorgeous days with gorgeous people doing gorgeous things. Life is pleasant. Lesson of the day- hills can be a dangerous thing.

Ice Age 2, here we come. Have mercy.

Phantom in Las Vegas

The newest wave in theatrical production is taking a 2 1/2 hour Broadway show and condensing it into a 90 minute (non-intermission) production in Las Vegas. Chicago, Haispray, Momma-Mia and several others have done it with great success and now it is The Phantom of the Opera's turn. For those of you that have seen Phantom, you know how spectacular that production is, but imagine this show re-conceived with the similar effects but with the technology of today, bigger and more elaborate sets in a new $40 million state of the art theatre specifically built to house this particular production at the Venetian Hotel. And if that isn't enough, I've heard the chandelier falling is unbelievable- it actually falls frighteningly fast and crashes! I've got to go see it, even though I've already seen the original five times. Last time, I said that was enough, but I think I could sit through one more.

American Idol (The Day After)

So, good-bye to sweet little Lisa. SHE WAS ROBBED! What is up with this show this year?!?! Bucky wasn't even in the bottom three?!?! How does that happen?!?! Maybe they want to not waste their investment in his new teeth. Have you noticed that? They fixed his teeth. That makes me think about how teeth affect a person's looks. On all those make over shows, when they fix their teeth, they don't have that much more to do. It is amazing how good teeth can make you so much more attractive. Boy, I got side tracked. Anyway- Bucky (no explination needed), Ace (it's not that he can't sing, it's just he has no stage presence and his hands shake because he gets so nervous- that makes me laugh) and Paris (just because she is so annoying and egotistical) need to go next.

American Idol Update

What is up with this season of American Idol? Everyone keeps talking that this is such a strong group of singers, but it is not true- they stink! Not only do they stink, but they stink really bad. Yea, Kellie is funny, but you start to wonder if she realizes she is funny now and it is all becoming an act. Chris has been entertaining, but last night he was just scary. And then there is that Taylor guy who I actually like to hear sing as long as you don't have to watch him. He stayed croutched behind that microphone last night like he had to go to the bathroom really bad. Maybe I'm wrong or maybe I just thought that last year was so good. Everyone last year could sing like crazy (except for that Scott guy, he was just in the right place at the wrong time- you would think he would have done better with a name like that- ha!) and they were entertaining. Stage presence is the most important aspect of performing. I know people who can barely get out a decent note, but they command the stage and the audience can't keep from watching them. Goodness, I can't think of any of them that hope will win. I guess it is kinda like the attitude, let them win who is the least bad.

Finally

After months, I tell you months, of having to sit through the preview for the new Ice Age 2 movie, it finally comes to theatres this week. Yes, the first few times it was funny, clever and entertaining- but for every five movies I saw, that preview was at the beginning of at least three! I enjoy a good scrat joke like anyone, but enough already. May scrat run free!!!

Still Working

It is around 6:30pm and I am still working at school... and still have a bit more to do before I leave. Why do I do this? Am I crazy or just so darn (ok, I'm going to use this word at the risk of having some one say "told you so"- you know who you are) obsessed with making sure everything can be as close to perfect as possible? When I get on a creative role, I get on it. All of these ideas pour out quicker than I can make them happen and so I spend hours drawing pictures or adding the tiniest detail, that probably no one will even notice- but I know it is there and it makes me able to sleep a little better at night knowing I didn't cut a corner. Yes, you have those people that work in the same profession (I use that word liberally) that say, "Three-thirty is quitin' time. You won't see me giving any extra time to the system." They are the same people that quarrel they get no respect. Go figure! It's the little red hen syndrome- every body wants the bread, but nobody is willing to bake it. Why do I spend all this time on the details? Why not? It makes me respect myself and my work and it makes me HAPPY... and maybe I am a wee, only a wee, bit obessesive. But notice, it usually works in those people's favor who accuse me of such. Hee- hee.

Disney' Tarzan on Broadway

Disney's new musical version of Tarzan began previews on March 24. I can't wait to see how this is going to be accomplished. The music is partially taken from the animated film version from a few years ago and Phil Collins (who wrote that music) has written a few more songs to add to the stage version. The show is designed and directed (another control freak, I guess) by Bob Crowley, the guy who designed the amazing sets and costumes for Aida. I've got to see this one!

Elton John's Lestat began previews on March 25. That one looks to be quiet impressive too. From what I have heard of the score, the music sounds pretty lush and very different from his other shows. I've got to see them all and then try to figure out how we can do the same effects with only cardboard, elmers glue and fishing line!

Oh, Well

Nothing of real importance to write about today. We are still working on The Wiz. Today we tried to clean up the music a little bit more. Tomorrow we begin blocking and choreography. One funny thing is people have been asking me about this show and they constantly refer to it as The Whizz. They must be mistaking it for Urinetown. Too funny!

Lesson of the day- approach orange sweaters with caution. I now know why that color of traffic cones serves as a warning. Ha!

Creativity Flowin'

Today has been a very pleasant day. I slept late (which I desperately needed), I ate golden grahams for breakfast (which I love) and then I got the sudden urge to work on costumes. I went to the drama room at school and started working up a storm. I got some things done, had some time to myself and sung along with the Mamma-Mia soundtrack (which always makes me happy). Good day- creative day- ideas are flowing. McHottie- that cracks me up!

Lord of the Rings... The Musical?

The new Lord of the Rings musical premiered this week in Canada before heading over to London in spring of 2007. It claims to be a cross between cirque de sole and Shakespeare, but at three hours and forty-five minutes long I would say it more an advertisement for a good bit of seat padding. Read the reviews and see what the critics think.

Wicked Bats a Thousand

Wicked played its 1000th performance on Wednesday, March 23. That's a lot of green paint! Official Wicked web site.

Withdrawal

withdrawal:

(a): the act of taking back or away something that has been granted or possessed (b): a retreat or retirement into a more secluded or less exposed place or position (c): social or emotional detachment (d): the act of drawing someone or something back from or out of a place or position.

I have show withdrawal today like I have never had in my life. Why? No clue. Maybe it is because I don' t really have a set agenda in front of me foe this weekend. It is not like I am working on two shows right now at school! But that is different. Beauty and the Beast where are you?!?!?!?!?!?!? I think a spontaneous event will be in my life for this weekend. But by planning a spontaneous event does that not counter act the whole idea of being spontaneous?

Ease On Down the Road

Ok, so it didn't take me long to get really busy again. We started working music for The Wiz on Monday and I was and am astonished at how fast these self proclaimed "non-musical" kids are getting it. Not only are they getting it, but they are putting a lot of fun stuff into it. I am excited to be working on this show. It is a good choice with the "characters" that already exhist in the class. I hope I just have the time and energy the sets and costumes will need. We are doing a 1970's meets Willy Wonka style. Should be fun to see. Today we tested some lighting effects and were having a crazy time when a new student walked in. I hope we didn't frighten him, more so than usual. The logo I finally put together is on the left- I think it works- goes with the whole "dream" idea.

Moving On

The set is torn down the props are put away and the cast party mess is cleaned up. Today I have a heavy heart knowing I don't get to hang out with those fun kids for a while. Time to move on to the next project so as to avoid complete and total depression.

Uh-Oh! Caught!

We all have dreams. We now know what the chamber staff does when we are not around. The glamorous life of a performer is longed for by many, but achieved by few. Isn't line dancing for older women?

Back Stage

Yes, this is why we keep them BACKSTAGE!!!!!!!

Love Is In the Air

Love Makes the World Go 'Round! It has been said by a well written composer "No thing could be more true." Smart man.

Do They Ever Listen?

Nikki, if I've told you once, I've told you a million times- don't hang your head out the car window!!!

Here We Go Again

Well, after three days of no performances, I am ready to go again. It is about time. I could get used to living a show life: get up at 11:00am, go out to lunch, set up, perform, go out and play then finally go to bed at 2:00am. It's greatfun!

I think this weekend will be much better than last- everything was great last weekend, but I think we can do even better... and will. The crowds are going to be bigger too. Saturday is going to be packed out!

American Idol

American Idol was terrible last night. So not entertaining!

Revived, Revamped and Ready to Go

I had a nice night last night of nothing. I watched tv for a while and then got the sudden burst of energy my body is used to about 7:30pm everynight. So, I got off my duff and cleaned like a mad man- every article of clothing I own (and most of you know, that's quite a bit) is now in its proper place. Be it in the closet, laundry room or dresser, every shirt, sock, belt, everything is put away. Do you know how seldom that happens? Especially during a show? And we are still in the middle of a show! I also paid all my bills and took care of going through a month's worth of mail. I wanted to be sure I had everything free, clear and done for a fun and relaxing night tonight (do you ever just crave certain foods? I am going through that right now.)- it is the two hour, first time ever of the final twelve in concert on American Idol. Should be good- could be better, but I'll still enjoy the show. All of this and I still get to do another show this weekend. I'm excited, we are going to have good crowds and I know they will be full of energy.

Slowing Down (For a Few Days)

We had a great show Saturday night with a good crowd. This coming weekend looks to be a lot bigger and hopefully will be as vocal as the first night. After the show, we decided to have a putt putt tournament- that got put on hold because we were all starving and thus walked up and down the GA road looking for anyplace that would serve us food- alas, you can only guess where we ended up. I think the players keep Shoney's open during the run of a show. Next week, putt putt- we have a plan now. Everyone else is going down with team MD at the top! (Those of you that were fortunate enough to be backstage knows what MD stands for- I'm not going to explain it. It kinda goes along with mainting your yard.)

As for me, the Sunday was wonderful. I didn't really do much, but I couldn't just sit and relax either. I've found that I have to be in crashed mode in order to veg out. I haven't gotten there yet. I have a nice time at church Sunday morning and a fun lunch with my family and then a wodnerful church dinner and service Sunday night followed by a stary walk. I love it that the weather is warming up so I can have my Sunday evening walks- that's where I get a lot of my inspiration.

I did work on stuff for The Wiz and got some ideas together about Beauty and the Beast. We officailly started The Wiz at high school today by doing final auditions and casting. I think we are goingto have a fun and interesting show.

Why can I not relax and just sit? How boring would that be!

There's No Business Like It

Where have I been? Doing a show, for goodness sake! We started Thursday with a great crowd. Such a fun night. Last night the crowd was a little... how shall I say it... held back. It is amazing the energy you getfrom an audience and when it is a little on the low side how it makes you react. It has turned out to be a very nice show. I really wasn't sure what to expect, seeing this is our first review with very little plot happening. But the audience seems to enjoy it, and not just the ones that are our relatives. What relatives? I'm speaking for everyone else, none of mine are seeing it! I am having fun watching from the wings. I love to see how people "tick" on stage. How they create or the lack there of... oops, was that out loud. Any way, good show and good fun- one more tonight then three days off, then another weekend of performing. This is the life. We've even had some one fly in from California for the show... it was just to see me, of course. Ha!

Whew

WHEW!!! That's all I have to say about that.

By the way, yeah Reece!

Uh-Oh

From the look on Nikki's face, she got the book with the naughty words.

Rehearsal 3/1/06

What was up with me last night? I was so wired that I almost exploded! I was eating cake (no soda) at 11:30 pm last night before I went to bed. I'm afraid I already feel that coming on for tonight. Hold on, gang! We seem to get so much done and done well when I'm in that type of mood. In the picture above, Avery says, "Yeah! I am so blessed to learn from such a master!" Sweet kid, I've always liked her.

Love Is In the Air

Here is the first publicity photo for the dinner show, Love Make the World Go 'Round. I don't know if Dr. B is scared or excited?

Kathi, Nikki, Dr. B and I sang at Rotary lunch today. It is always good practice to see how a crowd will react. Besides a jumble of mixed words on the trio song, everything was great. Dr. B stole the show with his rendition of Mr. Cellophane.