A Beauty of a Stamp

To help celebrate the 12th anniversary of Beauty and the Beast on Broadway, the United States Postal Service has issued a special stamp. The current Beauty, Ashley Brown and Beast, Steve Blanchard (who I have seen play the Beast) pose with the stamp.

Casting for Beauty and the Beast

The cast list is up and it is time to get going! We have a strong cast and a good group of people. What a show! If you missed the list, here it is:

Beauty and the Beast Cast List

United 93

The first of two movies to open this year depicting events of Sept. 11, 2001 comes to the screen today. It is titled United 93 and deals with the one plane out of the four that did not successfully reach its target on that day, but rather crashed in a Pennsylvania field. I'm sure everyone has at least heard something on tv or read something in a newspaper or magazine about this project. Lots of controversy surrounds it. Some argue that it does not respect the families of those lost. Others believe that the story should be told. I read that before any filming was done the consent of each family was given to the producers and director before anyone of them would begin production. The script was written from the actual conversations of those family members. What do I think? I will be the first in line to see it. Because I think we should ALL see it, no matter how bad it may hurt. Maybe it would make us all appreciate everything around us more and realize how this second is the only second we really have. We all say that, a lot, but do we honestly realize what it means?

MSN Article

Movie Clips from the A & E docu-drama Flight 93

This is a quote from the father of one of the passengers:
“Be reminded of our very real enemy. Be inspired by a true story of heroic actions taken by ordinary people with victorious consequences. Be thankful for each precious day of life with a loved one and make the most of it. Resolve to take the right action in the situations of life, whatever they may be. Resolve to give thanks and support to those men, women, leaders and commanders who to this day (1,687 days since Sept. 11, 2001) continue the counterattacks on our enemy and in so doing keep us safe and our freedoms intact.”

The Pez Experiment

I was in the check-out line of Wal-Mart the other day and was looking over the various magazines and candies when I happened to see sitting at the top of the gum rack, a collection of Pez dispensers. There were various characters from the famous to the vague. As I dug through them (because I had nothing else to do, the cashier was taking her time) I found the Chicken Little Pez, all by himself. I thought, "He needs a good home." So, I bought him. To do what with? Who knows. All I know is that since the first time I saw that movie preview or advertisement in a magazine, I'm not sure which, I have been drawn to that pathetic little chicken. The movie wasn't that great- he was, but the movie wasn't. Great acting. I bought the soundtrack- not a great cd, but it has a really good song on it that will break your heart. My Chicken Little Pez is sitting on my desk at school beside my computer now. As I was thinking over some things today, he watched me and I began to connect with my plastic friend. Maybe I am drawn to that pathetic little chicken because I can identify with him, not that I'm a pathetic chicken, but because everyone thinks he's a little different or out there. Aren't all of us that claim to be show people. Maybe it is because he wears glasses- I wear glasses. Maybe it is because the first "real" play I ever did was Chicken Little with Mrs. Eldredge when I was in the first grade. Dunno, I'm just drawn to that face with the oversized green glasses.

He also got me thinking about how a person's personality can match a certain character, that is in the form of a pez. My goal for this summer is to match each of you to a pez. I have mine. I always seem to buy a huge amount of stuff when I go somewhere on an out of town trip or vacation. I've decided, that I don't need all of that stuff and that my new collection will be a unique and interesting pez I found on my journey. Yea, ya'll think I'm nuts! I've always had fun collecting things, and now I think I've gotten something new and fun to collect. I've got several people have given me- a Kermit, a Wonder Woman, a Mickey Mouse. I need to dig them out and create a display at school. I looked for one of those crazy tests that we pass around to see if one would match you to a pez, but couldn't find one. Maybe I'll make my own. What do you think? If you could pick a pez that most matched you personality, or should we say the concept you have of yourself- who would it be? Interesting, hmmmm? Be honest. You can call me CL for short.

The Cast List is Coming

After much thought and deliberation, I think the cast list is in order. I haven't gotten any more conflicts since before noon today. If any come, we won't be able to honor them. People seem to be very excited about this cast list. I don't know if it is because there are several parts that could go one way or the other or if they are just excited to see the actual beginning of the show. Some parts are obvious- they fit like a glove. At the same time some parts are going to be a surprise. I got a very good compliment from a kid the other day. He said he had been to another school where they had a drama program and he was impressed by the way we have our act together. In other words, we have a goal and we accomplish it rather than squaking around like a bunch of chickens. I appreciate that from everyone- they are very goal oriented within the whole of the group. Tomorrow by noon we will know who everyon is... and how many people will be quiting.

By the way, did anyone see that comment about "Going to the Chapel" on the blog about Lestat? I'm hoping the person that wrote that was refurring to a past blog and is not confused that Lestat is our fall show. Don't you know that would go over well. Hey, that's an idea- a vampire musical with music from the middle of the 20th century: "Going to the Chapel of Blood" or "The Bleeder of the Pack" or "When the Sun Gets in My Eyes I Die". My idea, no body steal it!

Did You Know?

Did you know that while we were auditioning Tuesday night, the Broadway production of Beauty and the Beast turned twelve years old? Pretty cool, eh?

Lestat Opens on Broadway

Elton John's new musical Lestat opened on Broadway last night. Several critics claimed it would "suck the life out of you" if you saw it. Others, including Peter Felichia (my favorite on line theatre critic) said that if you take it as camp entertainment, it is a pretty fun experience. There is a video sample of some of the musical numbers on broadway.com. A lot of the critics say that the music is "lifeless" (ugh, another vampire pun), but I like that kind of pop musical sound.

In the photo, Allison Fischer, Jim Stanek & Hugh Panaro in Lestat

Beauty and the Beast Auditions

We had a very large crowd last night. Between young and old, there was a grand total of 67 people. Some, of course, will not come back. For some people the amount of time it takes for a show is too much and for some one to realize and acknowledge that is very respectable. We had some good singers, actors and some surprise dancers. I'm impressed with the over 21 age group of dancers. We had some fun, learned that Chris sounds like he's cussing when speaking French and that Mrs. Berger has a secret desire to be a tea cup. We also learned that Betsey is always going to "bring up the rear" and that Sarah's will not be mentioned at all during this entire show. And yes, we had the usual "I'm not going to be here for an entire week until the show, but I still want to be in it." Yea, right! All in all, I think I have everything cast- but I will sit on it for a day or two until I get all the final conflicts- that always changes things.

I am looking forward to this show. It is going to be the greatest amount of work of any summer, but I think the most rewarding. I talked to the janitor of the fine arts building this morning and she and I are going to set up dressing rooms in the down stairs hallway. As for where to put all the people, I've decided the balcony thing isn't such a bad idea- that person must have been a genius. The little kids I think we can put on coat hangers and then slide them on a hook or rod back in the corners.

So many people to bless with my presense. Ahhhhhhhh!

It Is Time

After planning and planning since last June- finally the day has come to begin.

People ask, "Do you get nervous?" Heck, yes! And excited and sick to my stomach and dizzy and frustrated and thrilled and angry and bored and anxious and sleepless and thinking if I just throw myself down the stairs, I won't have to do this. But then I get over it.

I'm How Old?!?!

Happy Birthday, Kathi!!! We won't discuss your age because we know how sensitve females are about getting older. I will say she is much older than me... much, much older. Have a good day!

Big Number Eleven!

Happy Birthday Jake!!! Eleven years, holy cow!!!

Rent is Ten

The Broadway musical Rent turns ten years old today. A special concert performance of the original cast will be performed tonight- many of whom are in the movie version.

All Good Things...

Here I am again among those that must work. Alas, spring break is over. I am having to wipe the tears off of the keyboard in order to write this. But why should it end? My new philosophy is life should be one long spring break! But at the same time, with the ending of "official" spring break means that is time for the beginning of lots of fun and exciting stuff. I now have three weeks to get everything done for The Wiz and to get the show on its feet. Yesterday I worked on the wiz head- he looks like a cross between Hitler and a toad- yes, he still needs a little work. Tomorrow are B & B auditions. So in other words, I'll be getting The Wiz ready during the day while rehearsing B & B at night. Why do I do this I ask myself sometimes? Not sure- then I think of the joy it brings for all those people to get to see me at rehearsal each night. I guess it is the least I can do.

Beauty Marches On

I've had a good response so far to the newspaper ads about auditions. What does that actually mean? Who knows? Today has been a pretty lazy day, except for designing the whole castle again. I thought I had a good design that would be easy to create and would function in the show and in the space we have. Speaking of space, where are we going to put the actors backstage? There is so much scenery, I have no place for the actual flesh and blood- not to mention some of the characters are going to be large as a piece of scenery (a walking, talking, dancing wardrobe and tea pot). I guess we will have to build gigantic balconies above the stage. Ha! Anyway, the castle- on Easter Sunday, I was thinking about all the ideas and designs, for now is the time to finalize and begin making, and it hit me- a whole new castle design with different levels and arches and ways to light it. The original idea had such things, but not like these. I am working on a model and will post a picture when it is done. The crazy thing is, the castle is one out of eight different sets we are going to be needing and not just a chair or a table, but eight sets. Effie and Paul are going to love me for this one!

Happy Birthday to The Producers

The Producers, the musical turns five years old today. The movie version of the musical (which was originally based on a movie, which makes it a musical movie of a musical based on a movie- whew!) will be released in May. Having seen all three, (the musical, the movie musical and even the original movie) I would pick the movie musical over them all. Nathan Lane is hysterical as Max and only in the movie can you see his facial expressions- his double takes are priceless! It is one of the few movies in which I have laughed out loud from beginning to end.

Mamma-Mia to be a Movie Musical

Mamma-mia has announced a movie version to be released in late 2007. This is one of my top three favorite shows and is easily my most favorite to see. It has energy, comedy and dancing like nothing else, not to mention those fun ABBA songs. The Broadway tour will be at the Fox in July and then at the Peace Center in August. Having already seen it twice before, I plan to see it twice again at each place- yea, it's that good. A lot of people will say it lacks the depth that real theatre should. To that I say , "Oh, get a life and have some fun!"

Fall Show... Already?

It looks as if we have our fall show scheduled and ready to go. We are doing Leader of the Pack, a really fun musical based on the life of Ellie Greenwich. She is the lady that wrote a bunch of fun and well known songs such as "Going to the Chapel" and "Be My Little Baby". Since it centers around do-wop soda fountian type music, we decided to do a do-wop diner and serve hotdogs, hamburgers, fries and ice cream sundaes- sounds fun, doesn't it? Haven't even started B & B and already getting plans made for the one after it. It must be a sickness.

Auditions

Seven days till B & B auditions- very excited and anxious to begin.

Happy Easter!

Let the earth shout and the heavens rejoice that He has risen. Some may ask, "What does that have to do with play production?" In my opinion, EVERYTHING!

Ahhhhhhhh!

Finally, spring break at last. What to do now? Well, I'll tell you. B & B auditions, Wiz costumes and scenery, fabric shopping for B & B, not to mention some major cleaning out. Before I can start building things, I have to clean out a place to put them. All the while trying to see every movie possible between now and next Tuesday. I would take a shopping trip, if I hadn't quit shopping for the year 2006. So I guess I'll have to go just for the chic-fil-a. Spring, it makes my heart happy and my mind ready for fun. Bring it on!

Casting

B & B auditions are fast approaching: one week and five days to be exact. Will anyone show up? That's the question of the day. And of those that do show up, how many will actually follow through with the show after seeing the rehearsal schedule? Who knows? As always, it is up in the air and I get nervous and anxious and I questionable if anyone will come see it and if so will they like it. But one thing I don't do is doubt. I don't doubt that I will push myself to a frenzy making sure it will be as good a show as possible and I don't doubt the people seasoned people involved will do anything less than perfect. People often ask, "How do you cast a show? Everyone seems to fit their part perfectly." The honest truth: gut. Casting is all in the gut. When I say gut, that means a combination of things. I never become rash and take my first impression, but rather is that first impression still there a few hours later and even more important the next day. Once a show begins at auditions, I am consumed and obsessed (uh-oh there's that word) until I have sent out a cast list. Once that is done, I know that is how it will be, no second guesses. A couple of times I had to completely go on gut instinct, because I had no other choice and both of those times, everything worked out perfectly. Once I didn't and it didn't go well at all. I had to ask a person to leave the cast (a main player), not just because he wasn't good, but it just wasn't working. He wasn't hitting his marks, the cast was frustrated and the theatre managemnet was worried. (Don't be trying to figure out who, it wasn't in Franklin.) That time I knew the guy was not right for the part and everything about him said "no." Don't ask me what I was thinking other than, I knew what I was doing- who care about what the gut is saying. I knew, but I cast him anyway and had to fix more than do it right from the beginning. I figured it out and have lived by my gut since then. I don't know why I do this play thing, ultimately in the beginning, peoples feelings will be hurt and egos gotten bigger- not because they are cast as a certain character, but rather because they are NOT cast as a certain character. It's like those people on American Idol that Simon says can't sing. It is the "he just don't know talent when he sees it syndrome" and they are out to prove, by defense that they could do a certain part- but the question is, would the audience pay to see them????? Some parts lend themselves to people- the sign of a good actor is know which part they CAN'T play. There are some roles that I would relish and delight in, however, I am the wrong body type, voice or even (I'm getting all method on you know) don't have the correct emotional baggage. Sometimes the only way to play a part is to have the history of something similar in your life, because that emotion can't be faked after a certain point. Boy, if I'm the Beast, I'm prepared there. Also when I say "gut" I mean all the preperation that goes into a show and not the writing of checks or buying of fabric or preparing music. What I do, as in everything I do, is very faith driven. Long before the first script is handed out, I pray constantly for guidance. When I do, the people show up, the show goes and the gut feels it. The gut is a wonderful thing when you start to really listen to it. When you do, it is amazing what can be revealed and the fears it can settle, not to mention the tingles of excitement that wil go from your stomach and down your backbone. A lot of times you have to work hard to really understand what it is saying, but ultimately if you are faithful, you can't make the wrong decision, but rather delight in the ones that were provided for you... even when buying gifts. Ha! Hmmm, I think my gut could actually be called by another name...

Bye-Bye Bucky

After weeks of waiting, Bucky is finally going home. The craziest thing about it all is I thought he finally put on a good show. He was beginning to grow on me, except when he talks it sound like his jaws are packed with biscuits. Kellie on the other hand, goodness gracious, send her back to the play in the cow patties. Any of them I can "put up" with but Paris- she needs to be gone now! Annoying little brat! Taylor is fast becoming my favorite. Chris puts on a good show, but he is limited to one thing. Listen to me would you, like I know what I am talking about?

"Yo" to Taylor!

Everybody wanted to say "hey" Taylor- we hope you see this and you and your family are doing well!


Today is Robert's birthday. Kelly brought cupcakes for everyone (what's that about-hmmmm?) with plastic rings on them. You can see Jarrod is wearing a Spider Man and a Ninja Turtle as he gives Robert a big birthday hug. Robert thinks he is one of those models that has to give a gaze rather than a smile. I also think he is pouting out his bottom lip.

Help!

Spring break, where are you?

Prayers for Taylor

We are all thinking about your mom, your family and know that God will take care of her.

He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him. Psalms 91:15

Piazza to be Broadcast Live

The Lincoln Center's production of the musical The Light in the Piazza will be broadcast live on PBS on Thursday, June 15. Beautiful music, and emotional story and still staring Victoria Clark who won a Tony award for best actress in musical in 2005. The show won several other Tony awards including best score, costume and set design as well as lighting design and orchestrations. KG saw it in New York last summer and said it was wonderful- I see a group viewing in order. Here is the article.

"So You've Come to Stare at the Beast?"

Here is a really rough sketch of the Beast costume for act one. He starts out pretty unkept and then as he falls for Belle, he becomes more civilized and put together in his actions as well as his clothing. You can see how the jacket we were working on earlier fits into the costume.

Paid in Full

I sent the last royalty check today for B & B, which brings the total spent just in roylaties and script rental to: bada bada bada bada bada bada bada- ching! (my feeble atempt at a written drum roll) over $5000.00. Are we crazy? No. I knew from the start, we are going to have to shell out the money for this show. I honesty believe you get what you pay for in tennis shoes and shows.

Big Number 18

Happy Birthday Sammy! Just think, now you are old enough to vote, die for your country, be sent to jail as an adult and open the car door for your girlfriend- what a man- oh wait, never mind. Anyway, "Happy, Happy Birthday, we're so glad you came. Happy, Happy Birthday from the Shoney's gang!"

Just a note for anyone looking forthe perfect gift: Samuel's new favorite movie is From Justin to Kelly (you know, the one staring the American Idol kids on spring break). He would love a copy of that so he can shake his bootey anytime and all the time!

What a Day!

This is a beautiful day! I love spring, I love that Easter is next week and I love that I get to drink Dr. Pepper again next week. This time next Sunday, you will probably hear the burp heard 'round the world. I am going to have Dr. Pepper at the sunrise service breakfast, I'm going to have Dr. Pepper before the usual Sunday morning service, I'm going to have Dr. Pepper after the service and before lunch and then I am going to have a very big Dr. Pepper before, during and after dinner. Then for an evening snack I'm going to have- you guessed it- DR. PEPPER!!!!! Which is right before I have a Dr. Pepper to get me to sleep that night. Boy, I got a little side tracked. Today I sat out on the deck in the sun and did some sketches of the B & B costumes. Great day- only one thing could make it better- "Smack! I receive it". Well two, if I had a Dr. Pepper with that.

New Brain

For all of you that were so worried (ha!), my brain is much better today. All I needed was a night of rest and relaxation... and pizza. I think the biggest thing this time of year is the fact we have been going and going like crazy at school. Spring break, are you almost here?!?! Those creative rutts happen every so often, just as long as that don't last for a good while.

With all this talk of the new Elton John musical Lestat opening at the end of this month, I decided to watch Interview with a Vampire last night. Believe it or not, I had never seen it. It was weird but at the same time I can see how that story could be musicalized. I could only rent it in VHS- funny how we get spoiled by something as simple as the great picture and sound a DVD has to offer.

Today

This is how I feel today- like my brain is the size of a pea.

Spelling Bee on Tour

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee will begin its national tour at The Alliance Theatre in Atlanta August 23 through September 17, 2006. Having won two Tony Awards in 2005, the show is not so much a hit for its music, but rather the funny and clever book. Revolving around a group of kids (played by adults) who are participating in a spelling bee, the Broadway show has been a surprise and runaway crowd pleaser. I haven't seen but a few parts of this show, but what I am familiar with is hilarious! I think I may have to check it out. For more information go to the official Broadway site or the Alliance Theatre site.

American Idol... Again

Mandesa was robbed more than Lisa last week! Enought said! Does Bucky have a secret control over all the phone lines in the world?

Worker Bees

Here are some of the kids working on the Beast fur. As you can see it is going to take a lot of time and a lot more patience. Samuel and Taylor worked on it this morning while they were not on stage for Wiz rehearsals. All in all, there is about six hours of work in that little bit- just as in life, when it comes to a costume, it's all in the detail. I especially like the purples and greens and reds that are woven into the yarn- it'll make a good texture under the light.

Preachy, Preachy & More

Yesterday I was very preachy- must have been a full moon.

American Idol still disapoints. Kellie was good, but what did you expect. I think Chris has won me back, he sounded pretty good. I still say Paris and Bucky have to go.

We have been working away with Wiz costumes. This is going to be a fun show visually. We also started making some things for B & B- mainly the Beast's fury upper body. It is hard to explain and I've probably made it really harder than most people would, but I've gotten this fabric with lots of little holes in it that we made a jacket form from. In each of those little holes (probably around 5000) we are knoting a twelve inch strand of crimped yak yarn. As it is used in rehearsals, the yak yarn will frey and create a plush and fuzzy beast. It sound like a lot, but wow, when it is done it will be great. I'll try to get some pictures posted on the progress and a rough sketch so everyone can see what the finished goal is. Four people worked for two hours today and only got about a four inch square done. It is one of those strangely relaxing tasks.

One of My Favorite Tests

For those of you that might have missed it the first time, here is my all time favorite quiz. Check to see which muppet you are. I was Kermit. Hi-ho!

A Concern

Today in The Franklin Press in the "Rants and Raves" section at the bottom of the front page, there is a rant that reads: "It's a shame that some local churches have to rely on show business to get new members. Leave the show biz to Hollywood and let's get back to God." Well, I was quiet taken aback by that because I really didn't know what it was refering to. I didn't even know it was there until some one pointed it out to me and made reference to the dinner show we just finished at Holly Springs. Then it absolutely broke my heart. Here these people were nice enough to allow us to use their building and then, if it actually does reference us, it gets thrown back in their faces. The whole problem with the "rants and raves" is first of all, there is no name attached (if you are going to stand for something, stand for it and be brave enough to attach your name, otherwise- don't bother) and the other thing is something written so vague you wonder if you are the one having the finger pointed at. Later a friend said that another church was doing a musical through their church as opposed to the community group only using the building as we did and perhaps it was in reference to that. If that be the case, then I wish they had specified because everyone knows we did the dinner show just a few weeks ago and no one really knows about the other show, so it puts us in a bad place. If it is ment for us, that person did not see our show or else they would know that the Pastor welcomed everyone to the building and invited them to return if they were interested in finding out about the church and even went into detail on the purposes of the church. He specifically said this is not a church function, but a function by the people of the community and they are only providing the space. I never want to offend anyone because our goal is to provide quality FAMILY entertainment (it says so on the web site) for the community to enjoy. I was and am very proud of that show and what it meant to many people. My other rant would be do they (the caller) not see what a wonderful opportunity that was to get people into a church, many that would never darken the door. Even though they may have left with nothing obvious, maybe, just maybe a tiny little seed was planted. We spend too much time barking- where is the compassion people?!?! No, church is no place for showing out, but it is a place for worship and at times bringing people together to enjoy one another's company in a wholesome and safe environment.

One of My Pet Peevs

I read an article by a theatre critic where he was talking about various high school drama departments that would ask him to come see productions they were doing. One such school he attened was a high school doing a production of Aspects of Love. First of all, a high school doing that show? What are they thinking? Second of all, there is material in that show that is inappropriate for that age of performance. I mean really, as if there isn't enough smutt on the stage, do you have to go and expect a public high school to be a place for it too? Anyway, he talks about the show and so on, but the main idea of the article that struck me was the drama teacher when asked why did he choose that show, he responded by saying there are adult issues in that musical, but they are relevant to what is happening in society today, so the kids should be exposed to it and be able to react to it. WHAT?!?!?!? No! No! No! Theatre in school is all about working as a group to create a unified product; about exploring your creative side and having some fun- not tackling so called "issues". My biggest complaint about drama teachers is they always think they need to push the envelope- by the way, I'm sick of that saying- "so and so did a production or a movie or a tv show that really pushed the envelope"- translation: they tried to get on some kind of soap box and announce the immoral beliefs they live by while calling it art! High school and community theatre is about creative entertainment, NOT about leading young people or the society around you out of their innocence. Here is the article if you want to read it. There is other stuff in the writing, but that was the part that really got me steamed.

Happy 43rd Birthday!

Happy birthday to you!
You are old it's true!
It's good to see at your age you're still prancing!
Just please, don't start line dancing!

We are all very impressed by how preserved you are. Maybe it is all the kick boxing, maybe it is all that "joint juice" (yeah right) you drink, or maybe it has to do with your husband being a mortician. Either way, Happy Birthday!

The Results Explained

I got complaints because I didn't explain my results. The otter is above, quiet true- especially the last line. Ha!

My color was sunshine yellow:
Your dominant hues are red and green, so you're definately not afraid to get in and stir things up. You have no time for most people's concerns, you'd rather analyze with your head than be held back by some random "gut feeling". Your saturation level is very high- you are all about getting things done. The world may think you work too hard, but you have a lot to show for it and it keeps you going. You shouldn't be afraid to lead people, because if you are doing it, it will be done right. Your outlook is very bright. You are sunny and optimistic about life and others find it very encouraging, but remember to tone it down if you sense irritation.

My intellegence was musical:
Every part of your life has a beat and you're often tapping your fingers or toes. You enjoy sounds of all types, but you also find some can distract you at the wrong time. You are probably a gifted musician of some sort- even if you haven't realized it. Also a music lover, you tend to appreciate artists of all kinds. You would make a great musician, disc jockey, singer or composer.

That's the way that goes!

The Quiz Show... Again

Remember last fall when we all started passing around all those internet quiz sites. I found some more fun ones- they tell me a lot about ya'll and how to cast the next show- ha!

What color are you? I was bright sun-shiny yellow!

What type of animal are you? I was an Otter?

What kind of intelligence do you have? I was a music lover.

I've found quite a few fun ones and will pass them along.

Beauty and the Beast Fun Facts

In my research for B & B, I came across these fun facts based on the Broadway production. Check 'em out!

Late Morning

We didn't get much done for The Wiz this morning because many of the kids were not there. A rainy Monday morning after a time change- go figure. Speaking of time change, I hate it. Leave it at this time forever! I love having day light at 7:30pm now, but that loss of an hour of sleep kills me. How precious we realize that hour is until it is gone.

Summer Movies

Ah, the things I love best in life: warm weather, walks at dusk with an ice cream cone in hand, wearing flip flops everywhere (except to church on Sunday) and SUMMER MOVIES!!! I can't wait! There are so many this year that I have been waiting to see, especially X-Men 3 and Superman Returns. Not to mention Pirates of the Caribbean 2 which I am also anticipating. The bad part about Pirates is that it opens July 7, right in the middle of crunch time for B & B. So guys, I guess we know what our movie after the cast party will be this year? The new Pixar/Disney movie Cars looks like fun, but it doesn't appeal to me as much as some of the others have based on the previews. I love the movies, but expecially in the summer- bring on the blockbusting spectaculars. Here is a top ten list of must see movies and the estimated box office take, acording to MSN.

This weekend felt a lot like summer. I went to Atlanta Saturday looking for a new costume shop I had found on the internet and discovered a really cool place for supplies. The weather was perfect there, some might even say hot, but I loved it. Twenty-three days till B & B auditions!