Theatah Jargon

Hello all,
In order to get you in the mood for some theatrics, i thought it would be fun to share with you the theater dictionary I am building as I navigate my way through rehearsals.

Upstage: the back

Downstage: the front (brownie points for those of you that can tell me where those names come from without googling!)

Fourth wall: the audience

Drag through: run through of a scene or act

Principal: a nice way of saying a lead role

Blocking: choreographing or setting places for scenes

Straight tone: singing without vibrato

Vibrato: that funny vibration noise you hear from good singers (i don't sing with vibrato :)

Set building, ticket sales, playbooks and biographies

Hello friends,

It's been a while since I last blogged because I have been so busy with rehearsals!
Jekyll & Hyde is going great and I am really enjoying the experience. I feel proud to be a part of this production and as it gets closer I can't wait to show all of you what I have been working on these past few months!

The show is fun but also challenging. The music is fast paced, the choreography is hard for a scatter brain like me to remember and the cast is huge.  I guess that's theater for you! Last night we did what is called a "drag through" of act II, which is exactly what it sounds like- a run of the entire act.  I have to say a big kudos to our leads, Bobby (as Jekyll), Lori (as Lucy) and Brittany (as Emma).  They are truly talented folks that really make our production special.  I am excited for those of you coming to see such a talented cast! I just hope to keep up and not screw up. :)

If you want a sneak peak, here is a sound file for "Murder Murder" from rehearsal.  This was our first run through of the full song.  It's 8 minutes long(!) but during the show there is dialogue (and murders!) to break it up. Thank you to my cast members Chris and Andy for sharing this link!

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/8066055/Jekyll%20%26%20Hyde/25%20-%20Murder%20Murder.mp3

On top of the rehearsing, cast members are encouraged to sell tickets (of course) but also sell ads in our playbook to promote local businesses, and to help with set building, painting and costume creation.  (For any locals interesting in purchasing an ad in our book please comment to this post or email me if you have my email address. Ads are due by Feb. 27). 

The Hose House, where we rehearse, becomes a hive of activity on Friday nights, Saturday afternoons and Monday nights, with cast members, their friends and family and past group members all lending a hand with creating the set and costumes.  It is very exciting to see the pieces falling into place and to see an end in sight. For instance, my ballroom costume started off as an old ugly prom dress and has slowly transformed into a Victorian England-era ball gown.  Sophia has been a great help at set painting too so for those of you reading the playbook at the play you will see her name as a helper!  Here are some photos of us painting the set at the Hose House

Ronnie painting the benches for the "Wedding Scene"

Here's Kim, one of the prostitutes :)

For those of you interested in attending the play, here are the details again.  They will also be posted at the bottom of my blog page until the show is done.

Show dates are:

March 19, 25 and 26 at 8pm
and March 20 at 2pm

At the Rogers Center for the Arts, Merrimack College, North Andover, MA
Tickets are $18 for adults and $15 for students and seniors (ages 65+).  *group rates available for parties of 15 or more.

For more information visit http://www.colonialchorus.com/ or call 781-944-9780 or of course contact me for tickets.

Thanks again for reading- More to come!

Murder Murder!

Rehearsals for Jekyll and Hyde are going great! 

So far we have learned two songs from the show; "Facade" and "Murder Murder".  Both have been really fun to learn and to sing.  The music is complicated in spots (which just makes for a better sound in the end), so a few people bring tape recorders to tape individual parts and practice at home.  I have some of these sound files and I hope to post sound bytes of rehearsal on here soon.  I have also posted on the bottom of this blog site details with the attached event flier for the upcoming show. (Shows are in March at Merrimack College).  We have a lot of work to do but I know at this rate we will have created a wonderful end product that you will enjoy! 

A Blog Thought

Recently a friend said to me that she assumed I was unhappy with my life because I was always "doing."  I thought this was an odd assessment of my situation since to me, life is about living and doing!  In fact, I find "not doing" to be the definition of unhappiness.  For me, really living my fullest life involves finding ways to push, challenge and surprise myself.  What is life without experiences?  This recent journey is my newest way of living and I am having such a wonderful time doing it!  And for the record, I feel truly happy and utterly blessed with my life and the people in it. 

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to my loved ones and thank you for your support! 

I am not a hooker!

I was truly hoping that the title of this post would be "I AM a hooker" but alas I was not cast as a "red rat girl" in Jekyll & Hyde as expected.  But I am getting ahead of myself.  Let me explain....

The time has finally come to do the "thing" that has inspired this blog!  Last week, with the help and support of my friends Kim and Allison who are the people behind the "thing" behind the inspiration of this blog,  I auditioned for two community theater plays; "Little Women" and "Jekyll and Hyde."  I am happy to announce that after several hours singing, dancing, waiting and sweating, I have accepted a role as an aristocrat in the ensemble of Jekyll!  Rehearsals have already begun and are Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday nights.  The play is set to open in March at Merrimack College!

What can I say so far about all this? It has been quite a time-consuming process!  First, auditions.  They start by filling out an application, writing down what part you are auditioning for, and listing your past experience (mine is high school chorus, singing in the shower and to my kids) and attaching your theater resume if you have one (um.. yeah. okay, I don't).  You turn your application in, get a number, take a mug shot (I think in the theater world it's called a head shot) then you wait to be called.  The Little Women (LW) audition was a "you in front of the directors alone thing", meaning no one was watching.  Waiting for this sucked and despite the fact that I looked cool as a cuke while waiting (that was the feedback people, I don't make this up) my nerves were shot.  Let's face it, I haven't sang in 15 years and even then I would say I could carry a tune but I don't hold a candle to talent! (If you think I am being humble just ask my loving and supportive husband :)   With that in mind, I made my application as funny and convincing as possible and auditioned for parts that I thought were reachable (ensemble for Jekyll and the part of a "troll" for LW). 

Anyway... to audition, you are required to sing a song or two in the spirit of the show (whatever.... my choices for both plays were "Part of Your World" from the Little Mermaid and "My Favorite Things" from Sound of Music). The director for LW actually asked me to pretend to pick flowers and sing to them while performing My Favorite Things.  hee hee.  I must have kicked ass on that because despite my efforts to get the part of a "troll" I was called back to read for the part of "Amy", one of the four sisters! Let's just say after I competed for that role I got NO part in LW, not even TROLL! Yeah, they were finally on to me and my lack of singing and theater experience.  Whatever though, their loss, because I WAS cast for Jekyll and I am excited to do that..  So, on to that audition....

For Jekyll & Hyde (JH) you have to audition in front of a room full of people! Let me tell you, these people were so great and supportive (most of them just showed up to watch, not even audition!!), and they brought cookies, I can't forget that part.  But despite this "support" I was so nervous, especially since I had to follow a phenomenal singer who was later cast as the female lead in this play!  Same process as for LW but just one song here.  After cursing out my preceding competitor, I made my way to the front of the room, introduced myself and sang 16 glorious bars of "Part of Your World" and got a raging round of applause (really!!).  JH is a dance-intense musical, so after vocals, they asked us to hang around for auditions part two, which was to learn choreographed dance moves and perform them in front of the directors.  I had to learn both ensemble and "red rat girl" dances.  The red rat girls are the whores in JH and they have a really fun dance scene in the play so you understand why I wanted to be a red rat SO BAD!   The dance for the red rat girls was so much fun and super hard! It was raunchy and racy and left me with bruised knees and in need of a shower afterwards (seriously, I am not making this up).

I left auditions three hours later covered in sweat, dirt and bruises, but because I really can't dance I wasn't cast as a hooker.  (I am sure that's the reason as I am confident I was skanky enough for the part.)  Kim WAS cast as a red rat girl though-- she did great! (As one male watching said to her, "Kim, you are naughty!")

So, on to rehearsals! I plan on posting a separate entry for rehearsals, and maybe a few as I go with progress updates, even though I am pretty sure that no one is reading this!! Anyway, all I can say is that this has been a blast.  It has pushed me beyond my comfort levels and made me feel really crappy about myself at times, but I would not trade this experience for anything.  It has also brought out my competitive spirit and made me want to try harder and do better, which I will!  Just wait until you see the play (which I am making my entire family see- hee hee).    Stay tuned!

A man, his gun, his dog .... and the wife

This post is about duck hunting!!!

While you all were sleeping off your turkey dinners, Eric and I went duck hunting last Friday.  Long story short, no ducks were harmed in the making of this "thing."  So much for the hunting part.

In order to enjoy our nice date day, we needed to first unload our precious cargo, also known as Sophia and Griffin  (and referred to in earlier posts as my "party crew.")

 Luckily awesome aunt Kellie was up to the job of babysitting, so we loaded up and headed off for an afternoon hunt.  Eric took me to the Nashua River in Pepperell , MA.  His friend Dick was nice enough to join us for this adventure (also affectionately called a "shit show" by my loving husband).  Dick just had to see the wife in camo!

We arrived at the river, put on our bad-ass duck hunting gear and packed up the canoe.  (Ok, so Eric packed up the canoe, I just complained about how cold I was.) Bogey squealed in delight the entire time, eager to get his bird.  (sorry Bogey, that never happened.  I know you deserve better than that.)  Here is a photo of me and Bogey dressed for the task at hand.  I know, peeps, I look smokin' hot....

After a short canoe trip across the river, Eric found our spot and we set up shop in a muddy, marshy location.

Here's Bogey checking out the scene

Here's Eric in the canoe

The blind

Me in my kick ass outfit

                                                             

Eric setting up the decoys

Mooooo

 The odd thing was that there were cows in the field right across the way from us.  They didn't seem to mind the gunshots though. 











After we set up the only thing left to do was sit, wait and watch the sky.  Besides my cold fingers and toes, I enjoyed sitting out there and listening to nothing at all.  It was peaceful-- I get why my husband likes hunting.  The boys said some silly stuff like "there is some nice movement in the spread" (meaning the ducks are moving on the water--- why don't they just say so?!) They also participated in some skillful duck calling which I can only imagine sounded like sweet songs of seduction for the ducks. I also now know why Eric comes home empty-handed often.  He and Dick failed to do the "watch the sky" part! Ducks flew over us only three times: two out of the three I had to tell them, "hey guys, there are ducks flying by."  The third time, let's just say I didn't escape without injury!  (See bloodied gum below).

I also want to mention here that wearing your headphones or ear plugs around 12 gauge shotguns is a good idea! Don't take them off! (my ears are STILL ringing!)

We had to end our hunt at 4:16pm because of sunset and while we left empty handed I personally left with a sense of self accomplishment.  I was nervous and reluctant about this trip.  There were so many unknowns to me.  But I really did enjoy myself, I made it through without serious injury and I think it really benefited my relationship with Eric.  After 13 years together, I learned new things about him, and for that I am truly grateful!

Comic Book Mega Show!

BATMAN ROCKS!  

That's right, peeps, I went to a comic book convention!  This "thing" was courtesy of my friend James Donahue.  Thanks to his "dealer" pass (because he had a batman motorcycle on display) I was able to get in FOR FREE without waiting in a two-hour long line.  Much appreciated James!

For the rest of you that don't attend comic book conventions on a regular basis, did you know that those conventions aren't just for comic book people?  Umm, yeah! This one was a "Back to the Future" kind of theme so Christopher Lloyd was there along with the Delorian (spelling?). You could take photos in it for a cost, with the proceeds going to Michael J. Fox's charity.  The other heavy hitter there was Linda Blair (from the exorcist in case you didn't know!) The convention also featured the original muppeteer for Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch, Bozo the clown, (NOT "Homie the clown" for those of you under the age of 30) some washed up pro wrestlers from the Hulk Hogan era, porn stars from 20+ years ago, Peter Tork from the  Monkees, etc.. etc..    See some photos of Linda Blair and Christopher Lloyd below. For anyone that wanted to know as much as I did, Big Bird did actually have a person inside him operating him (just one though- can you believe that?!)


 Here is Linda Blair and in the back, Christopher Lloyd
Apart from the randoms (i.e.- Bozo the clown), the convention was what I would expect from a comic book convention (or "ComicCon" as those in the biz like to say-I think...).  There were your typical weirdos dressed up, nerds, geeks, wizards and warlocks.  There were comic books, vinyls, trinkets, and posters for sale for everything from Buffy the Vampire Slayer to Ghostbusters and Archie Comics.  I did my Lynnfield loop as it were through the convention room then headed out to let my son play on the batcycle with Ephram.    Here are some photos!

 The Delorian

 Ephram with his bat cape on

The Bat Cycle

 The Batmobile

A storm trooper thing

Ghostbuster dudes

Inside the convention area, right, and below is the orignal Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch muppeteer

I am glad I opened up my mind to the experience and actually felt what it was like to be in a convention where comic book peeps thrive and feel the rush of the atmosphere, buzzing with petchouli and B.O.  I can't say I will return, but I do feel enlighted by being there.  Thanks again James for a unique experience! And thanks again for reading!

Meat Brings People Together

I learned this weekend that if you cook it they will come!  My cousin Chris was kind enough to invite me over for a go at his meat smoker and he was an excellent host! :) My aunt Mary and uncle Joe came at my urging to graciously help with the kids.  My sister Deanna showed up too, as did my cousin Dann and Teresa's sister/"the neighbor".  Hence the saying, "if you cook it they will come"!

We started our project on Friday by purchasing a 7 pound pork butt and making a spice rub to coat it.  I asked the butcher to put a rub together   for me and he gave me bread crumbs- doh!

No biggie though, we threw some stuff together and I rubbed away!

We let the meat sit overnight and the next night he put it on the smoker, checking it before bed and first thing in the morning.  Here is where I feel I cheated a little with the process.  I feel like if I were a true "smoker" I would be out keeping night vigil over my meat! Just like the big Texans you see on those food competitions on the Food Network, basting and watching the temperature on their smokers like they were watching Christ being born!  Alas, Chris assured me that he had it under control and twist my rubber arm, I was fine with that!  I showed up Sunday morning with two kids in tow and an ice coffee and I was ready to party.

Here are some pics of Chris' home smoker!

 

 Chris told me that the meat temp needs to stay within a certain "smoke" range in order to cook properly. Don't quiz me but I think the max temp you want to reach for smoke is 250 degrees.  If you have cooked your meat right you will end up with a beautiful smoke ring on the inside of the meat.  The rub also turns into a nice crispy crust, called bark.  The meat is cooked using fire, wood chips to season and a pan of water used to create steam.

Here is our meat after being smoked overnight.  We took it off around 12:30 on Sunday.

While we waited for the meat to cook, Chris showed me his recipe for traditional Texas-style chili.  It was delicious! He makes his chili with lots of spices, ground sirloin, beef broth and other surprises.  He doesn't use beans of any kind and his base is not a heavy tomato base.  It was definitely a winning recipe! 

Finally it was time to pull the pork! Chris showed me the proper technique (forks facing out) and then we added some malt vinegar and some barbeque sauce.  We completed our pulled pork on toasted buttered bulky rolls and melted cheddar jack.  We ate like kings!  I finished the day off by returning home with said "party crew" shown above, and took a two hour long, blissful, meat-induced nap!

Thank you Chris for an awesome day of meat exploring, pants-splitting fun!  YUM!

This Isn't a Bucket List

A lot of people have asked if this project is my "bucket list."  The answer is "no" and here's why.  I set off on this journey so-to-speak through inspiration from my friends.  Watching them do what they love and wondering in awe what they experience when in the moment of performing on stage.  As I get older and the things that matter most become crystal clear to me, I realize that the time is now to truly get to know my family and friends inside and out.  This list is more than a bucket list; an agenda of things to do before I die.  It is about more than simply checking something off and saying "I did that."  This project is about getting to know the person behind the thing because they are what matters to me.  YOU are the point of this list, not the things themselves.  More so than knowing you by your title of "sister" "mother" "father" "cousin" or "high school friend;" truly who you are as a person and what makes you tick-- that is what I am after! 

This past weekend at my brother's house, I learned more about my sister-in-law Laural in one hour than I have over the past few years.  That taught me something-- it is not time simply time spent in a room with someone, but what we do with our time spent with those we love, not taking those moments for granted, that truly matters.  What do we really know about the people around us?  Why aren't we asking questions anymore and engaging in meaningful conversation?  I thought of this a while back when I tried to explain to myself who my mother is.  Sure I know her as mom, but as I know now that I am a parent, she was someone before children.  Her children do not define who she is as a person (or didn't at least for 21 years of her life) what she likes and doesn't like, where she has been and what she has done.  What do I know about that person??  Why haven't I tried harder to find out? 

Over time, things crust over, memories harden, and perceptions become solid and defined and tend to remain stagnant despite those around us changing (ie- my high school friends aren't 15 anymore!)  We stop asking questions of those around us as to how they got where they are, why they are there and where they want to be.  It is their journey that defines them, and not their title in your life.  Part of their journey is their "thing"-- what they like to do, or what they do that is such a big part of their life, now or in the past.  I learned from Laural how she got where she is and why.  That is important to me and it is something I will not forget.  I hope to go through that with each person as I check these things off my list. 

Thank you, as always, for reading!

Acrylic, polish and shelac, oh my!

I have checked another item off my list!

 Tonight I did my first manicure, acrylic nails, and even painted with the new "Shelac" gel polish that dries under UV light instantly.  Laural was my muse and Deanna was my subject.  My mission was to put acrylic on all ten nails but due to both a less than enthusiastic subject and a daunting time limit, we ended with just two. :)    I have attached photos and video from our fun night here! As you can see from the videos, Laural did the pinkie acrylic and I did the thumb.  I went on to do a manicure, and put the base coat and first coat on of the gel nail polish.  I let Laural finish it up so Deanna's nails would actually look presentable when she left!  Thank you Laural for sharing your thing and thank you Deanna for being a great victim (I mean sport!)
And PS: Laural put the shelac on my nails too-- it's great!