Merry Christmas!

All is Right...

...With the world.

Go See It!!!

If you have two hours to spare this weekend, go see the newest Disney animated feature Tangled. If you do not have two hours to spare this weekend, make two hours and go see it. This latest creation by the Disney masters is phenomenal! After several years of duds (yes, I'm including the Pixar movies too- I don't think they are as great as everyone exclaims, although Bugs Life is pretty near perfect), finally a great movie musical that has a story and dazzling visuals. Not since Pocahontas (yes- I love that one much to the shrugs of others) has there been a classic golden Disney musical. Movies like this is why I am such a nut over the creative wonders of the Disney organization. Great storytelling, wonderful music by Alan Menkin (the greatest musical writer of all time) and everything magical that a movie could and should be- did I mention it has a great story. It is so great to have an interesting plot. So, so, so good! I plan to see it at least five more times, I suggest you do the same. Did I mention I think everyone should go see it? When I first heard Mandy Moore was the voice of Rapunzel, I was distraught- but I even like her in this movie. In others words, go see it. Twice.

My Wife...

Being naughty.

Trick-or-Treat Time

That's the Story of My Life, Yes Sir

So here I am, 12:30am. I am on one of those not sleeping until 3am kicks. Why? Not sure- one would think I would be exhausted. Oh wait...

Don't get me wrong. I love my life, I love my job, I love my wife (I just threw that last one in there so she wouldn't say why did I not mention her with all that talk of love) but sometimes I get so tired that I don't know how to be un-tired.

This is an example of my week:

Monday- (Day) Asheville. Fabric/ prop shopping for J & H. Most people would think this would be a great day away from the office. Imagine trying to plan every meal for a group of strangers for a year. That is the equivalent of designing a show. You have a "taste" you are going for, you just hope you can find the correct ingredients and if one certain spice is not available, then you have to change the whole dish and sometimes an entire meal on the spur of the moment. At the same time, you have to think ahead and behind to make sure you don't serve chicken and rice three meals in a row or even worse become predictable and serve it at the same time every week in the same portion. If you don't get this analogy, it's ok. It makes perfect sense to me, but then again so does flushing the toilet after you pee and most people that use the restroom at the theatre don't agree. (Night) Two and a half hours of rehearsal and the end of Dancing with the Stars. That show drives me crazy, but at the same time you can't look away. Oh Monday evening, why do you have to forsake us with nothing to watch after rehearsal but a group of "B" listers with spray tans?!?!?!??

Tuesday- (Day) Begin building costumes. Pull everything from the warehouse that might work for J & H. Sounds simple. No need for another analogy. (Night) Two hours of rehearsal. My 40 hour week is half way over (time card wise.)

Wednesday- More of the same. (Day) Building, planning, (Nigh) rehearsing. Costumes everywhere. Fabric everywhere. Chinese children singing "Joseph"- that was the best part.

Thursday- Nikki goes out of town. Sleep patterns get worse. One would think being elbowed all night would be uncomfortable. It seems to have the opposite affect on me. When I am not being kicked, I stay awake. Last rehearsal of the week- must fit all the costumes we have completed the last couple of days in order to finish them over the weekend.

Friday- (Day) Sew, sew, sew. (Night) Show, show, show. Luckily it only went over about 45 minutes. I got home a little after 11pm.

Saturday- Matinee show... Matinee marathon. Seven hours later and five loads of laundry it is done. Let us celebrate by eating a pizza for a late dinner.

Sunday- Back to Asheville for second round of fabric. The meal changed a bit and portions needed to be adjusted (see above analogy.) Nikki came home (yay!) and we went to bed early. Early by our standards- late by the rest of human kind's. I just got elbowed and couldn't go back to sleep because I began going over all the lyrics to J & H, my plan for the week, my plan for the nest three weeks and wondering how many of the chocolate chips cookies setting on the counter I can put in my mouth at once. I've already brushed my teeth, so the answer to the cookie question must wait for another day.

This past week, I consider to be a rather relaxed week. Just imagine- oh I feel sorry for you mere mortals (like Harry Potter). Incidentally, I saw an interview on tv not long ago with JK Rowling which made me think I might like to read those books. Needless to say, that thought lasted all of a few blinks and I have since remembered I don't like to read- unless you count the two scripts (one a quick comedy, the other a wooly mammoth) I am currently editing which are squeezed into everything else.

Things I neglected to mention:

A loose hose in a janitor closet caused a severe flood in the office. Conrad Birdie has a water line across his ankles. 94. 8 percent of old people are cranky and no, just because you have lived longer than me it doesn't give you the right to say to me, "Now, son...". This week I saw a used (pardon me, pre-owned ) car lot of wheelchairs. You know that scene in the Wizard of Oz where the four lead characters almost make it to the Emerald City, but first they have to cross the field of poppies. Imagine if the poppies were wheel chairs and you will see what I saw. I love, love, love, love, love, love, love, love Dr. Pepper from Chic-Fil-A. It is the perfect combination of of magical syrup and explosive carbonation. Chic-Fil-A, when the rest of the world do me wrong, you do me so right.

RIP Smudge/ Moushy

Forever a friend. Forever grateful. Forever a part of the theatre family.

Buddies

Captain Underpants

Injun Joe Says...

I'm gonna git' chee.

Indiliosus Mickey Mousious

Read Rachel's latest blog entry. She says I am a nerd, loser and live in a fantasy world? At least Mickey Mouse is real, I've spoken to him. I found these custom made vinylmations on line. I did not make them myself, I have much more taste. I did, however, think that perhaps Rachel would enjoy them and it was a way to appreciate one another's senseless obsessions.

Hey World!

There's a great, big, beautiful tomorrow!

Extended Stay

We were supposed to come home today. We didn't. We will be home tomorrow. Instead we had one more day of fun, food, entertainment and inspiration. You don't realize how fried your brain and body are until you actual wind down a bit. We started the day at the studios for lunch, then headed to Magic Kingdom for a final ride on Splash Mountain and finally to Epcot for a wonderful Italian dinner. We ended with the final performance of The American Adventure (hosted by Ben Franklin and Mark Twain in the photo)- what I think is the greatest show produced on Disney property. I also have a cool story about this show when I get a chance to talk about the back stage tour. All in all, the weather was great and the company was even better. Trying to decided right now when the next break will be when we can return- Christmas maybe? Oh well, heigh ho, heigh ho. Back to work I go. M-I-C... See you
real soon.

Back Stage Tour

I went on the back stage tour today while Nikki was going to hang out at the resort. Amazingly enough when I had returned this afternoon, she had found an outlet mall- hmmmm? Anyhoo, the tour was great, so great that there is no way I can describe it in a short post, so that will come later. We got to go several cool places like the underground, the guts of the Tower of Terror and the wardrobe department (can't wait to tell mom and Catherine about the automatic laser cutting table)- I even got to watch workers carving the log boats for Splash Mountain. Plus I got a neat trading pin from the guide. We weren't allowed to take photos except in the landscape area where they create all the topiaries. Wonderful experience! Then I came back to the hotel and picked up Nikki where we went to Downtown Disney for dinner and a movie. But then, to top off a fabulous day, I went into the Vinylmation
store only to pick up a box which contained a Buzz! Can you believe it? It's true- it only takes a bit of hope, trust and pixie dust. Nikki is rolling her eyes right now.

Jazzy Incognito

These ducks so wanted a bite of our pretzel this afternoon. Reminded me of the Jazz-miester.

Who Is That I See in the Distance?

On the top shelf, Nikki saw her twin. Movie this afternoon then Hollywood Studios to the Sci-Fi for dinner. A fun-filled night of Fantasmic and lots o' food. Tomorrow I get to do the four park backstage tour which is a whopping seven hours long. So excited to go to the costume department, parade set up, show prep and even underground the Magic Kingdom. I will only be able to write about it, I was told "no cameras allowed", but lunch at the Wilderness lodge is included. It starts bright and early at 8:45am, so I better get to sleep- if I can at all tonight. Yipee!

Rachel This Picture is for You

It says, "If you want to party, get with smarty." Too bad you said Brett gave you your favorite birthday wish or you might actually get the shirt and not just a picture. Not too smarty, are you?

Dear Mr. Disney You Are My Hero

Such a wonderful work ethic. I appreciate folks who work themselves into a frazzle for no other reason than getting it done right.

Today was Nikki's mall day. Let's just say that my Vinylmations cannot hold a candle. Still on the search for Buzz. I'm beginning to think perhaps it is not meant for this trip. One of the workers in the Magic Kingdom opened a brand new set for Nikki and me to shake. We shook and shook 24 boxes hoping to find the correct resistance and weight. Alas, it was another Woody which I soon traded. We also had dinner at the Liberty Tree Tavern- one of our favorites. Right now we are both stuffed with turkey, roast beef, stuffing, macaroni and cheese, mashed potatoes, green beans, gravy and apple crisp. Heavenly. Tomorrow night we are eating at the Sci-Fi, another of our favorite spots. I also had an idea for a show moment today while riding Pirates- hang on.

Goodnight From Epcot

Vinylmickey

A mickey statue of Vinylmations. Too fun! Today we set out on a mission to find two specific styles- a yellow swirl and a Buzz from the Toy Story collection. Even Nikki has gotten into it with the whole weighing and shaking of the boxes. Got the yellow swirl (I was leaving the store and heard the box calling to me) but Buzz is still out. Amanda and Paul met us at Epcot for laser show and Vinylmation searches (Paul is just as bad as me.) We've found everyone but Buzz! Friday morning at D-Street, there is an artist presentation with some special commemorative items. Paul and I are going to check it out and leave the girls to sleeping. I am afraid to post a picture of the ones I have purchased because both Nikki and I have lost count. When she sees them it will give her more ammunition for shopping tomorrow.

Nikki's New Friend

Hey Badda Badda Swing

This is our hotel. The stairwell is in the coke cup.

Beautiful Day

Slept late. Did some work (vacation is never really vacation). Went to the Market Place where I got two Vinylmations I've been looking for. Epcot for dinner and Magic Kingdom for parade and fireworks where I got two more Vinylmations- one I had been searching for since last trip. What a wonderful day to be married so you can compare who ate the most and neither of you cares who wins. Now, where did I put that ice cream...

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We Are Sports Fanatics!

Bet the title of that post threw a lot of you. Since Nikki and I are Disney pass holders, we got a really great deal on a resort for the week. The only thing is, it was only available at the sports resort. No big deal, all we do is sleep there to build our strength for the following day of play. I took this photo to counter any idea that Nikki our myself have inflated egos. Neither of our heads would even come close to fitting in this helmet. See what I mean about being sports people- Nikki thinks this is a football pose. Sadly, I couldn't tell if it was or not either.

Great Day

Sleep this morning, Epcot this afternoon and Hollywood Studios this evening. We met Paul and Amanda for Dinner and had some great times laughing and riding rides and seeing shows. The days are still hot here (after all, it's Florida), but the nights are heavenly with a wonderful breeze. I want to live under that big, blue hat behind us in the photo.

Uh-Oh

It's already started!

Heigh Ho, Heigh Ho

Life is great. Got the car packed full of scripts that need to be read and a fresh sketch book ready for some set and costume designs. Can't wait to get to the most creative place in the world with my most favorite person in the world. My eyes are wide open and my brain ready for a slap of imaginative inspiration. Heigh ho, heigh ho- away we go!

PS- It doesn't hurt there is a new set of vinylmations that have just been released. Tee-hee.

Sonic on a Summer Night

Maybe it's time I broke down and let Nikki have a baby.

Goodbye Little Friend

Before anyone begins reading this post, it may seem cheesy, overly sympathetic and to some offensive. If you have a strong reaction to any of those ideas- stop reading, in other words go back to your shallow, unimportant views of life and your own existence.

I have been learning about this little girl named Anne Frank for over a year now. I've read many articles on her life, her writing and circumstances. I never read the actual diary nor saw any of the movie version of the play. I wanted the play to be completely original to our stage and not influenced by any other media. I do, however, know that the play is not completely historically accurate with Anne's writings, but rather a dramatic presentation of an instance in history and an example of what millions of people and families went through during the crazy and evil existence of the Nazi army. Most of us have no real-life situation that can even compare to what Anne and her fellow roommates went through, nor do I wish such circumstances. I do think that many, no, all of us take our blessings for granted.

Anne Frank's story is that of hope. A story of an optimistic dreamer who, at times, became overwhelmed with the people and situations she had been dealt. Anne knew what she had at one time and wanted more than anything to know where she was going. She knew that if given the second chance at life, she was going to live it. Unfortunately, she never got that second chance. But, how many of us have been given such an opportunity and thrown it to the side only to satisfy our own desires?

I spent the last year thinking and reading, but since August 18 I had been living with Anne. I looked at many, many pictures of the entire family and the others living the the loft with her. I looked at the loft, the area around business, the Holocaust, the victims and survivors. A lot of people asked if this show was depressing to work on. The answer, "no." It wasn't depressing, but you did want to work so hard to get it right. I can't say that you could ever get a show like this right because the script and characters have so many different layers, but you can put all your heart into it and the audience will hopefully be moved.

I think our audiences were moved. A lot of people said they cried. I don't judge a reaction to Anne's story by the tears- people cry at tv commercials at Christmas. I judge the reaction of the audience by the silence. There is so much to think about after the lights go down at the end of the story. If the audience is quiet at the end, then it proves they are still thinking.

Obviously, not everyone would be affected. Just like I don't get excited about Super Bowl Sunday. But I do wonder about the condition of their hearts. Even if you did not like our presentation of Anne's story, hopefully the realization that these were real people would get under your skin, if only slightly.

I completely appreciate the efforts of our cast and crew. The Diary of Anne Frank was a beautiful production that will live with me forever. I am never satisfied with a show, but with this one, I am truly happy. I am so proud to have experience this story with this cast. I will always look back to the past three weeks as a very special time for me as a person and me as a (and I use this term loosely) an artist.

There of course will be those who just don't get it and never will. To those who might say, the show or story was boring (don't get me wrong, I like glitter just as much or more than the other person) or uninteresting, then to them I say this- pick which one best suits you:

a) You are stupid.

b) We will wait till you mature and then let you have another opinion.

c) In terms of the theatre world, your artistic integrity is not up to par. In other words, get educated, get interested and stick to shows where the performers jeans are way too tight- that would seem to be more your speed.

Anne, I will miss you. I don't begrudge the many hours I sat in the pit waiting for a two minute moment on stage. It was my honor. Thank you.

That's All I Have to Say About That

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!

A Star is Born... Where You Least Expected It

So, here I am enjoying my after rehearsal dinner of a pepperoni Digiorno pizza while watching the Disney channel premiere of Camp Rock 2. Don't judge me, I like pizza. As I watch Camp Rock (which I must say is a complete disappointment, what ever happened to the good old days of High School Musical?) I think about all these kids in this camp trying to be rock stars and dancers and musicians and how they compare to those kids I know.

We have been working on Anne Frank for only about two and a half weeks and we open in less than a week. That's fast in show world. Everyone is doing a great job- it is going to be a very moving show. At the beginning of this whole experience, the day the cast list was posted people had a cocked eyebrow at some of the choices I made. There were no doubts in the ability of performers, however, from looking at past characters some folks, I'm sure, thought Rachel as Anne Frank? Rachel? The girl who is always the twitchy, elastic faced nerd? Yes, that girl.

Rachel is amazing me at every rehearsal. In the beginning, she was falling into old habits. Over the top spasms and ski jump stances. But in less than two weeks, she as gained so much control in the physical, vocal and emotional aspects of the character. We have talked a lot about what Anne is going through. There is no way any of us can understand what any of these people went through, so we have talked about situations in their own lives that could hold a similar emotional association. The girl "performer" that makes everyone laugh because of her goofy gestures has become a full on "actress" with control, emotion, interest, and (hold on), subtlety and grace. This show is not to be missed, not only because it is such an important story, but because all the performances are a thrill to experience. And, how often do you get to see a self proclaimed nerd become a swan?

What Am I Doing Awake at This Moment? Thinking.

One would think I should be sleeping. I am not. That seems to be a virus going around lately: Go to bed, can't sleep, get up, be grumpy the next day. I've caught it... except for the grumpy part... we shall see. Why can none of us sleep? We've become chronic late night thinkers. Instead of letting our brains refresh like normal folks, it keeps on going even when the rest of the body is screaming lay down.

It's true- for about the past year I have even been working in my sleep. Actually, I've done it long before that, it was just recently brought to my attention. Nikki says I have this jerk thing I do when I'm asleep. She can ask me the next morning what I was dreaming (thinking) about in my sleep- go figure it is usually about a show- and then she tells me I had the jerks. It is nothing to be frightened of, I'm not flailing my body across the mattress. Just little tiny movements, although sometimes large enough to wake me up.

Back in the spring, we went to bed after a busy day. I started dozing into dreamland- you know that place where you are beginning to fall asleep, but you are still semi-aware of what is going on around you. Anyway, here I am my body thinking I'm in one place and my mind thinking I'm in another when Nikki says, "What are you doing? You are jerking in your sleep!" I wasn't jerking, I was merely choreographing Joseph in my dreams. Yea, I was dancing in the bed... half asleep... half awake... didn't even know I was doing it, but yet at the same time, I did. Yes, this is the point where you can say, "What planet is your brain from?"

What makes it even worse, Nikki has started the same thing- even waking herself up too. I must have been doing the hand jive last night because she said I elbowed her forehead- it was the first instance of dream choreography violence.

It's a bad thing to not be able to separate work from bed time. Oh well, most people try to sleep on the job. We just try to sleep at home. It's not working.

Anne Frank is coming along This show is keeping me awake- not because of the actors, so don't be paranoid if you are in the show and reading this. AF is a very small show, but there is a lot of detail. It's the details I'm sweating. If we had an entire year to work out details (character development) we still wouldn't have enough time. That goes for pulling props too. Amanda has been pulling/ making/ searching for props for days on end. Maybe that is why she is grumpy... just teasing (no I'm not, but I used special ink on these words and she can't read them.)

Nikki is out of town for a few days. Maybe that is why I am not asleep. I am very much a nester when it comes to Nikki. Although I know she is safe and at her current destination, I still feel uneasy about her not being where she is supposed to be at bed time.

I wish they would hurry up and build that super Wal-Mart. I could be getting some work done with 24 hour business hours. McDonald's is open- golden brown french fries. Mmmmmmm. No, Nikki, I'm not going right now and no, I'm not addicted to french fries... it's the ketchup.

I know Nikki is going to read this, look at the time it was posted and ask what were you thinking? That's just it- I was thinking, that's why I'm awake.

Do you realize we have been rehearsing something since the end of January. That means about nine to ten hours of building/ sewing/ paining during the day and rehearsals or concerts in the evening. I don't remember the last day I had free. But all that is going to change- after AF, I am am going to take three whole days where I don't do anything that requires thinking. Ok, maybe a little thinking- I have to decided which side of my waffle fries is going to get the ketchup.

Shame

I'd turn my head away too if my mom made me wear that sweater.

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There Are Days...

There are days when all I need is to sit under the shadow of a giant plaster castle in central Florida. This is one of those days.

Joseph Photos

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat photos are finally up- sorry it took me a while. The link is to the right.

71 Years Over the Rainbow

Today marks the 71st brithday of The Wizard of Oz- the most perfect movie ever made.

Seperated at Birth- Jazzy and ?

Jazzy and...

Emmet Otter.

Vinylmation... My New Obsession

So, on a recent trip to Disney World last April I discovered a new collection Disney has created to rob my future children of a college fund. They are called vinylmations and are all created in teh iconic image of Mickey Mouse. Each one is designed by an artist (whose autograph is on the bottom of the foot) and packaged in sets. When you purchase a vinylmation, they are grouped according to set, however, each figure is in a black box and you have no idea which vinylmation you are getting. One might say, but why, oh but there is the excitement. Opening the box and ripping into the foil pouch which holds your new piece of art is a thrill. No comments please, Nikki knows she is married to a nerd and she loves me anyway. If you do get a duplicate, there are certain stores through out the Disney parks where you can go to a clear glass case and trade for another that you don't have in your collection. They are sold only in the Disney parks and online. There is an official Vinylmation website where you can view the different collections and make purchases say, if anyone you might know is a collector and you would like to buy them a gift for a brithday, Christmas or (cough, cough) just because they mean so much to your life and you would like to express it in a piece of Mickey shaped plastic. I may seem crazy, but if you go on line you can find people who are much more seriously "touched" by the vinylmation movement. I just think it is fun. At least my drug of choice is only Dr. Pepper and Disney- I don't think I will show up in the arrest section of the newpaper for that crime. So far, my numbers are small and the little pals are displayed on a shelf in my office... As seen below.

The other cool thing about Vinylmations is they come completely blank white and you can create your own. There is an entire store in Downtown Disney called D-Street where you can buy Vinylmations or design your own at a large drawing table. I spent a lot of time in there last visit. There are some one of a kind creations on display done by comissioned artists which are great fun to look at as well. After finding the blank canvas Mickeys, I decided to start a show tradition of creating a Vinylmation for each show we do at the theatre. If I am in the show, I will re-create the character I played or get all artsy and design a representation of the show. Amazingly enough the creation of those little guys is great therapy. After the stress of a show, it is great to finish it off and close it out by having a little personal creativity time. They are tiny (about 3 inches tall) and extremely intricate to paint, but I enjoy every minute of it. Below are my first two.

Pharoah from Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Complete with blue lips, glittering eye lids,jeweled rings and sequin shoes.

The Beast from Beauty and the Beast. Although you can't see it in the photo, the cape he is wearing was made from a scrap of the fabric that the actual costume was made of nad his horns were carved from a chunk of styrofoam left over from the set.

So may say I am silly, come to think of it, I've heard that all of my life and really and truly, I am. But oh well, I am a happy silly.

Baby's First Photo

Goodnight Daaaaahling

The Wheels on the Bus

Dear "To Whom it May Concern..."

Nikki is not feeling well and we had no shows at the theatre tonight. So I have two choices (actually three, but I'm avoiding the doom called the spare bedroom and the items of clothing that need to be put away) one of which is watching Nikki sleep on the couch while watching a Meg Ryan movie marathon or staring at the living room walls. They are lovely walls with photos of wedding and family, but not enough to grasp the attention of a professed member of the ADD club. So what do I do? I think it is time to catch up in what's been going on in my life and for a rant or two...

Dear Facebook Users,

Do some of you have jobs? I've never seen so many people have time to play games where they trade cows or grow wheat or some other senseless digital make believe. If you do not have a job, are my taxes paying your well fare while you play these games? If you do have a job, do you realize that when you announce you baby calf gained a pound the time at which the event took place is posted on your satis. Just FYI. Your boss knows if he or she is your FB friend. I never thought I'd see the day when I enjoyed the idea of reading you were going to the grocery store for milk.

Dear Alton Brown,

I know most people find you grating and annoying (alas, they do me as well, my kindred spirit), but I do enjoy you late night food show, "Good Eats." It is entertaining and informative. I really enjoyed last night's episode of various cheese dips. I'm not sure if it was Nikki's fever talking that gave me the giggles or the idea of having a dinner party based only on cheese. Either way, Alton, you entertain me. Thanks for being a late-night pal.

Dear Twilight Saga,

I must confess I had little or no care for you for the past few years. I must, however, say the third movie currently in theatres is quite entertaining. Less angst on the brow and more action in the story. Mostly, thank you for explaining why the character Jasper has an accent and a really weird haircut. I know all you twi-hearts say if I had read the books, I would already know why. But really, think about it. Books? That is so "civil war era"- that's a reference to Jasper. All those that protest should just be happy I remember his name.

Dear McDonald's,

For the past decade or so, I have loathed you. Now, your crispy chicken mcnuggets and gold brown fries are my drug of choice beyond the usual Dr. Pepper. I am a McPepper.

Dear Summer,

Oh, how I love you. Mostly because, dear pants oh how I dislike you.

Dear Vinylmations,

You know how to make me become obsessed. Oh how you toy with me in you small black box and the mystery of what is within. How long before this phase passes? Nikki hopes soon. I hope never.

Dear Papa's Pizza,

Square pizza- mmmmmmm. I believe you Hughie Lewis, it is hip to be square.

Dear Hostess Chocolate Cupcakes,

With out you, breakfast would be a mere reference to life before 9am or a passing commercial for Denny's. Speaking of Denny's, someday I will have to tell the story of being at a Denny's in Kisseemee Florida at 2am and the waitress assigned to my table having a nervous breakdown in the parking lot while we waited for a basket of chicken strips. I had never eaten at a Denny's before in my life and will probably never go again.

Dear Cats and Dogs, the Revenge of Kitty Galore,

For all your creativity, I still do not plan to see you.

Dear Lifesavors,

Thank you for the pineapple flavor. Finally, something in life that is good to suck at.

Warning

This is why you don't squeeze the bottle of body wash while smelling the flavor.

No Rehearsal Night

Rehearsal was done early tonight so Nikki and I had a nice dinner together, went to a late movie and came home at midnight to see a beautiful star filled summer night. No, I did not just run over Nikki. This is her lying in the parking lot admiring the universe. The things we do when the rest of the world is sleeping. Silly kids.

It's Electrifyin'

Disney day three: one word, hot. Started at Animal Kingdom and made my way back to Epcot. I had seen a few items for Nikki and wanted to get them before the rush of tomorrow. Afterwards, I went back to the hotel to cool off a bit. On my way I went by the Earl of Sandwich and picked up some early dinner. Back at the Magic Kingdom by 7:30pm in time to ride Pirates and grab an orange slushi before the electric parade and fireworks. I've never really given much attention to folks when I'm here, yea I've people watched but never really observed them. Since I'm here alone and have no one to talk to in line, I've spent more time watching. The conclusion: people are even more stupid than I give them credit for. But with a million twinkling lights and an orange slushi, I'm not distracted by them for long. By the way, the new fireworks for the summer- spectacular! Tomorrow is Paul's wedding, so I
will play in the morning at the studios. No visit is complete without saying hi to the muppets.

And Here I Am Now

This is Where I Is

This is Where I Was

Live Right Get Your Minnies in a Row

Disney day two: slept in then went to Epcot to see Captain EO, a 3D movie from the 80's staring Michael Jackson. I remember seeing this movie a looong time ago. It is at Epcot for only a limited time to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the film. Made my way around to Mexico and had a giant plate of nachos for lunch- incidentally, the Pirate E Perico at the Magic Kingdom has nachos again. They were off the menu for about the last five years, but they're back! Hurray! Went to Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios then back to Magic Kingdom. Saw lots of shows, ate lots of food, walked lots of steps. It took everything I had not to jump up on one of the floats in the parade this afternoon. Maybe tomorrow they won't be so lucky. It was a good day, it could have been a great day, but there was just one thing missing. Electric parade tomorrow night, Animal Kingdom in the morning. Saw a great quote from Walt Disney today, "The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing." Amen, brotha!

Disney Day One

So after two long weeks, I came down to Orlando for Paul's wedding this weekend. I decided I deserved an extra day or two to play in the park. Nikki stayed home due to work, so it is kinda weird being here by myself. After making it in record time (8 1\2 hours) I had a nice dinner and icecream at the market place and went to some of my favorite shops, the first being the vinylmation store where I purchased two new friends- one of which I was hoping for when I pulled the box from the display. Tomorrow I'm going on a photo safari in the parks. Right now though, crash time. I have the air cranked to 55 and plan to sleep well. Goodnight O-town.

Vault Disney

I have discovered this great site where old videos from Disney TV specials are posted. This one is particularly interesting to any of us who have gone to Epcot- it shows all the construction and mounds of dirt that would one day be my stomping grounds. Spaceship Earth is fun to see when it was just beginning to take shape with metal ribbing.

Happy Fourth of July

Happy Birthday SMCPA!

Opening day July 3, 2009. One year old and already such a big boy.

Lesson of the Week (or life)

Find happiness and satisfaction in yourself. Appreciation is fleeting, if it exists at all.

Beauty (and the Beast) is in the Eye of the Beholder

I didn't really get to express my full opinion of the final look back at Joseph and now that Beauty and the Beast is done, I figure I would cover them both at the same time. First of all a warning- there will be bragging. I completely believe that those who can do, those who think they can tell you about how good they are. I'm not going to tell you how good I am, but rather how good the people around me are. I don't have an ego, but I do have confidence in my abilities. Not that I always know what I'm doing, but I will figure out a way to accomplish what I want to do. That comes with having a strong support team. People have no idea the amount of work involved in a production- even a small one and to do two major shows in two months of one another is beyond any normal sanity. We closed Joseph on April 24, we opened B & B on June 24- two months to the day. This may seem that grand of a feat unless you consider that every bit of rehearsal for both shows had to take place after normal working hours. Cheers to people and their passions.

First let me start with the people I see many more hours than I do my own family: Effie, Amanda and Sam. I can have an extreme vision that wows my own imagination but without the three of them, their dedication and desire to create the best possible product, it would be nothing more than some scribbles on paper. Some companies have all the creative people in the world working for them, but they don't have the relationship, support and comprehensive drive needed to create. So often audience members will confuse what truly makes a good show. The building or venue and technology can be the greatest and grandest, but without the people it is nothing but an empty shell. People create the art, art inspires the technology and technology facilitates the art- in that order and only in that order. These three folks go beyond any forty-hour a week job requirement. They sacrifice evenings, weekends, special occasions and almost all holidays. Why? Because they believe in what they are do. If you don't like what you are doing (and I use this term loosely) for a living- get out of it. Effie, Sam and Amanda- I love watching all of you do what you love to do and appreciate your respect, confidence and trust in my thoughts.

Having said that, I believe all your hard work can be celebrated after a wonderfully successful run of a show. Not just a large amount of people saw your work, but thousands! How many acts can say that? Why? Because you don't just entertain, you put every aspect of your being into a production, beyond blood, sweat and tears. You don't create plastic- a shiny experience that is hollow. An audience knows the difference and respects such. I respect ya'll. (Everett and the interns- you too. And especially Nikki for being willing to be married to and OCD type personality. Speaking of Nikki, where do you think my inspiration comes from?!?!?!?)

I am very proud of Joseph- if it was not a commercial success with attendance (that's a whole other story which I will not blame on the vision, execution or performance, but rather something that we are hopefully correcting). Joseph was a creative success in terms of overall production and growth of actors.

B & B was beautiful thanks to the before mentioned creative team and my mom, Catherine and Lainey. The fabric passed between their fingers in the last four months is more than you can imagine... I mean miles.... literally! Not because of the rewards they will reap but because the have a passion, but more importantly a dedication to the dreams and heart of their children. If ever you doubt if you are loved, take a look and see what your parents are willing to go through in order to make their children smile. I don't mean handing them a dollar and saying go buy something pretty, but instead giving them the example of hard work and what will come of that work. Now that is true beauty.

If This Doesn't Make You Happy, Nothing Will

Last Night in Disney

Goofy/Mickey is sad. He has to leave this wonderful world tomorrow. Had a great time, lots of eating and fun. Nikki even gave me a great surprise today! Goofy\Mickey is happy because of that surprise. He'll see his friends soon again. Sigh! Now it's time to say goodbye to all our company... You know the rest and if you don't, never speak to me again.

My wife, the lobster. Lots

My wife, the lobster. Lots of sun in Orlando. I can see my flip-flop line across the top of my foot. Again, we've eaten way too much. Fireworks!

It Feels Like Home

Greetings from the happiest place on earth! Weather is great, food is abundant and fun is non-stop. Even when going all day at WDW, it still feels relaxing. My creative juices go crazy in this place and my OCD runs rampant. Make it bigger, better, more perfect. That's a good philosophy.

Jolly Holiday

Mary Poppins at the Fox- go see it! Beautiful and magical, not for little kids because it is almost three hours long, but still amazingly wonderful!

Go, Go, Go Joseph... Gone

We finished up Joseph this past weekend. The show went very well- it will always be one of my favorites and very important in terms of the grand scope of my life as an actor, director, producer. I learned so much from this show the first time I did it twelve years ago. I would consider this production as a creative success. I think everyone did a wonderful job with the presentation of it. I loved the look of the show and although I look back and see so many things that I would "fix" which most people would not even notice... but I would. I would like to have seen more people in the audience, but it was a very stormy weekend and there is just so much going on right now that people are having to make choices as to what they see. In the past two weeks we have had six different shows playing. Folks have to make their choices. I understand, but I certainly enjoyed watching the cast during all the rehearsals and from the wings on show nights. Great work, kids! I will post pictures soon.

Beauty and the Beast rehearsals begin tomorrow night (Tuesday). Strangely enough, after one night of rest I am ready to dive in. I just hope my body can keep up with my mind. I just hope everyone else can keep up with my mind.

One week from today, Nikki and I will be giving our creativity a punch of excitement. Nothing like sunshine, palm trees and a little Disney pixie dust to make your imagination soar. Hold on, the next six weeks are going to be a great and crazy ride. I will not have to eat any fiber- I will be swallowing about nine pounds of yak fur per performance. I promise not to spit on anyone.

Two Years Ago Today...

Happy Anniversary, Nikki!